January 6, 2013

Hello Family!

I think I say this every week, but I really love reading you emails that you send every week. I love to hear updates on how everything is going. I love to hear about the new burgers at the restaurant, how the family is doing, and all of the other fun and exciting updates. I am really excited to hear that Bethany is coming up! That is so awesome! I don't really know why I am so excited about it, but I am! I would love for her to be able to meet everyone. The Kunz Family, The Gardener family, The Hendersons (especially Parker), maybe Soto... Haha that is exciting.  Have a good time, and give Beth and Spence a Hug for me. I miss them both so much!

This week has been a really good week. It has been really tough, but really exciting. I am amazed at some of the people that we have stumbled across these last week. We have found some people that are so prepared to receive the Gospel. We have found people that really want to be Baptized. The only problem that we are facing right now is that they have no way of attending church, which means that they can't be baptized quite yet. We have to get a new Unit Started so that these people are able to attend church. We are still looking for a Unit Leader. It is tough because all of the members in our area are less active. Right now we are just prayerfully seeking someone that could be the new Unit Leader. If you were looking for a specific prayer topic, this would be a great one:). The work is going well here. This last week was kind of rough, because Pohnpeians Party like there is no tomorrow at the start of the year. I swear, on New Years Day, We couldn't hardly find anyone sober enough to teach. It was rough, but it was a fun experience to say the least. My companion and I witnessed a Dog and a pig get prepared for New years dinner. It was an uncomfortable moment, but at least we will have a story to tell!

This new assignment has been a tough experience so far, but my faith has already grown so much! The best part is, I have come to learn how weak I am as a person, but I have learned how strong I can become through the Lord. I have been really challenged in the Language, but lately I feel like I have seen the Gift of Tongues in action. I have learned that the Gift of Tongues isn't always perfect fluency in a Language, but the words that you need to say at the very second you need them.

I am loving my mission. I am living my lifelong dream. Surprisingly, my mission has been everything I hoped it to be. I feel like the Lord is molding me into the Person that he needs me to be. The refiners fire isn't ever comfortable, but the end product is always worth it. As President Mechem says; "Where your comfort zone ends, the spirit steps in, and that's where miracles happen."

I love you all so much, and I am glad to hear that you are all doing well! Stay strong, and keep up the hard work! Thank you so much for everything that you do for me. Have a great week, be safe, and enjoy your time with the McClains!

Stay Strong, and Live like you mean it!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. Mom, I got the pics you sent! They are great! Everyone is looking good:) Oh yeah, and I sent the package today, let me know when you get it!

December 30, 2012

Kaselelie Family!

Ia Iromwail? So I have thought a lot about what Dad said last week about not replying to his emails. I decided that this week I would reply to his instead of moms.. Sorry mom.. Your welcome Dad.. :)  Haha Man, that Ice cream challenge sounds so good! You need to send me a picture of it. I am sorry that your back is messed up. That makes it really tough with the restaurant and all.. I will be praying for you!

I just want to answer some of moms questions really quick. Today I got a package from You, Sandy and Dwayne, and Bethany. I loved them! The backpack is awesome. It is perfect, and it even has a waterproof liner. I have really needed one of those. It is rough being on bikes in this rain! Thank you so much! Also, Please let the Siddoways know that I got their package and I loved it! I am wearing the tie that they sent me right now:) I was really excited about Bethany's package too. I loved looking at the Pictures, and I really liked the T-shirt:) I haven't read the letter yet, but I am going to read it as soon as I am done with email. Please tell her that I said thank you so much, and that I will be writing her back soon!

I am really sorry, but I don't have hardly any time to write today. I spent most of Email time writing President. I had a lot that I needed to talk to him about. I really enjoyed being able to talk to you guys last week. It made be a little home sick, but not really in a bad way. It just reminded me of how much I love and miss all of you. 

I am doing well. I am just doing all that I can to keep up with the work. This week has been a tough week. I am really nervous about the situation that I have been placed in, and I don't usually do too well under pressure. I am doing my best though! Things are going really well, and I am learning more than ever to rely on the Lord.

I have to go now, but I love you all so much! Don't ever forget that! Have a happy New Year! 

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman


P.S. I got the letter from Grandma Vickie, I will read it right after Email! Tell her thank you for me!

December 23, 2012

Kaselelie Family!

Ah man, this week has been Crazy! Last Tuesday I flew to Guam with some of the other Trainers. We had a blast! Guam is a lot more like the states, so we did a lot of tracting while we were there. A lot of missionaries don't like tracting at all, but I totally loved it. Most people in Guam speak English. It was nice to teach people without a language limitation!  My new Companions name is Elder Peterson, and he is from Western Washington. He is a pretty cool guy. I really feel for him, because adjusting to this Culture is really tough. He kind of reminds me of how I was when I first got here. I am just really trying to be someone that he can talk to. I will tell you this, it is SO tough to be a trainer. There is so much responsibility placed on your shoulders. Now, instead of having a senior companion to lean on when we teach lessons, I have someone relying on me! It is a whole new world, and it has made me want to progress in the language that much more. Now I have no choice but to learn it well, and learn it fast.

So, something that I didn't know when I emailed you last week, is that I'm not only training this transfer, but we have been transfered to a different area and to make it even  more crazy, we are opening up a brand new area! That means that we will pretty much be starting from scratch, and we will be trying to start a new branch here on Pohnpei. Did you know that there is actually something smaller than a branch? Yep. It is called a Unit. This transfer, one of the main things that we will be doing is trying to find someone to be the "Unit Leader". The unit Leader is the person who presides over the Sacrament and things like that. We are going to attend the Kitti (pernounced Kichie) Branch until we can find enough people to start our own Unit. I'm not gonna lie, I am really nervous. "Nervous" is a bit of an understatement, but it gets the point across. Sometimes I wonder if President has gone crazy by putting me in this position, but I quickly remember that this is a call from the Lord, not from the Mission President. I am nervous, but I know that everything will be alright  I know without a doubt that we have been placed in this position for a reason, and I know that the Lord will help us through. We just have to rely on his strength rather than our own, and we have to pray like Crazy! For anyone who reads this email, please keep us in you prayers!

Things haven't been easy on my mission. But they sure have been rewarding. On Saturday, I was able to go back to Uh and baptize one of the girls that we have been teaching. It was such an amazing experience  and I cried like a baby. I love the people in Uh so much. I never realized how much until I was called to a new place. It was amazing to look back on memories that were made, and the changes that occurred in such a short period of time. I hope that one day I will be called to serve there again!

Well I better get going! I can't wait to talk to you all on Christmas! Just two more days! I love you all so much! Have a Merry Christmas!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman

P.S. Mom, I am pretty sure that it is 1:00 your time, I'm not positive though, and thank you so much for sending that money! I can't think of anything in particular that I need right now from the States, I will let you know though! :) I will be sending a Christmas package next week, so be looking forward to that! Lets surprise the kids though :) Love ya! Thank you

December 16, 2012

Kaselelie Ahi Penene!

Hey family! It sounds like you had a fun week this week! I've got to admit, I am a little jealous. It would be so fun to see everybody! I can't complain though, because this week was a really exciting week. It was super busy, but super fun at the same time! I am so happy that you were able to see Jose and the rest of the family for Christmas. I miss them all so much. I think about them quite often. How Is Jose doing? I miss him a lot, and I hope that he know that I love him. For all of you that will be reading this email, I love you all so much, and I hope that you have a merry Christmas! 

I am so excited that you were able to make it to Bethany's Homecoming. It sounds like you had a good time. How are the McClain's Doing?? :) Tell all of them Hi for me, and that I love them, and I miss them.

Mom, to answer your question really quick, I got a couple of packages this week. I got one from Sterling, and one from grandma Vickie. Holy cow, they did way too much. Please tell them that I say thank you, and I am planning on sending them a thank you card next week!

So there is so much that I want to say about this week, this week has truly been an amazing, unforgettable week, but I have some news to share with you this week that seems to be the only thing that I can bring myself to think about. This week is transfer week, and I have been thinking a lot about where I might be assigned to serve next transfer. Last night I got a call from our District leader, and he told me that I am going to be trainer. I was totally shocked! I didn't think that I would be training for at least a couple more transfers. I am really nervous about it. Most people don't train until their 5th transfer, and even 5 transfers is pretty young to train. Being a trainer means that you have to know the language really well, because you teach ALL BY YOURSELF. Not only that, but you have to teach your trainee the language, and you have to train him in the work. For these next couple transfers, I am going to have to teach these people with the little bit of Pohnpeian that I know. It is going to be a challenge, but I know that the Lord will help me through it! Just pray for me please!

I am super nervous about this, but words couldn't express how excited I am for this amazing opportunity!  It will be a growing experience nonetheless :). Tomorrow I am going to fly to Guam and pick up my first son! I am going to be in Guam until Friday, then we will come back to Pohnpei. 

I have to go now, But I love you all so much! I can't wait to talk to you Next week! Take care, and be safe driving home! Merry Christmas! 

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

 

December 9, 2012

Kaselelie Ahi Penene!

Wow, that was quite an update this week! I didn't hear about that Hurricane, but I think that we caught some of the effects of the storm. That week we had a little bit of a storm ourselves. Nothing too big, just a ton of rain and some wind was all. That is really sad though. It doesn't help my paranoia either... Haha

I am really excited to hear that you guys are going on a road trip. I wish I could see everyone that you are going to see. I miss all of those people! Please tell them all hi for me. Tell Cody that I am still waiting for that CD. Seriously, just an iPod recording would be awesome. You should push him to send me some of his religious songs. Maybe Frankenstein, Come thou fount, etc :) Please drive safe though. I always get nervous about road trips in the winter. Have fun, and let me know how it all goes. Oh, and if you can, send me some copies of the pictures and if you email any, try to send them all in one or two emails. It is really hard to view them when they are sent individually, and it takes a lot of time:)

To answer your questions about the packages, I did get the packages that you sent. Thank you so much! I loved everything. I have already started eating the goodies. I promise that I won't open the present until Christmas ) The clothes you sent will be great for the kids here on the island. So thank you for those, just don't feel like you have to do things like that. I feel bad at how much the shipping costs. Thank you so much though! I haven't received any other packages yet. I hear that I have a package today, but we haven't tracked down the Zone Leaders yet, so I'm not sure who it is from.. I will let you know next week.

So my update for the week will have to be quick today, but we had an amazing week. This week we taught more lessons then my trainer has ever taught in one week since he came out. We have been super busy the last few weeks. Next week is going to be even more crazy. Right now we have 9-12 people preparing for baptism on Christmas. One of the couples just decided to be baptized and they literally just came to us. I am so excited. The Lord has just prepared so many people to hear the Gospel. I can honestly say that these miracles aren't happening because of us. There is no way it is because of us. It is 100% miracles from the Lord. We can barely keep up with the People that he has brought to us. This is such an exciting time to be serving in this mission. We had an amazing attendance at sacrament meeting this Sunday as well. We had 102 people at Sacrament meeting this Sunday. We usually have 40-58 people in attendance. What is happening here? I don't know. Just Miracles and blessings.

Sorry I don't have time to write more! I've got to get going now. I love you all so much, and I hope that you are all doing well. Stay Strong, and Live like you mean it!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman

P.S. Mom, I should be calling on Christmas day for you guys, the 26th for us, I am really excited to talk to you all! 

 Love you!

 

December 2, 2012

Dear Family,

Kaselelie my friends! Yai Rohmwial? (How are you?:) I am really sorry for not emailing you last week. We had a really busy day, and we didn't have time for email. I'm not joking when I day that I am busy here! There isn't enough time to get everything done that I need to. I haven't even had time to write one letter for the last couple months. I feel really bad because there are so many people that I want to write I still haven't even written Bethany yet. I feel really bad, and I hope everyone understands that I am doing my best to keep in touch. Mom, please let aunt Brittany, Libby, and Grandma Sidwell know that I got their letters, and that I was really happy to hear from them. Also, Last week I got both of Grandpas Packages. He totally spoiled me. Please tell him thank you for me, I have really been enjoying the treats, and I was really happy that he sent the canned chicken! Today I got a package from Grandma Sidwell too! I haven't been able to look inside yet, but I am really excited to! Tell her thank you for me! The Zone Leaders haven't picked up the mail that came in today yet. After email we are going to get our mail from them. I hope Sterling's package is here! It sounds like it has been in the mail for a while now. The mail system seems kind of Sketchy here... Tell him thank you for me, and I will let you know when I get it!

So I have a lot to update you on, and not much time left to Email, so I will have to make this really quick. I can't believe that Bethany is already home! That is so crazy! Where does the time go? I am really glad to hear that she got the flowers and the painting. I have been so excited for her to get those. Tell Her Happy Birthday, and Merry Christmas for me! :) It is so cool that Spencer and Andrew are moving in with you guys. That will be so good for the three of them. We will have to figure out how to keep all the Idaho ladies away from those three studs.. I am sad to hear about Nick Garn, But I am thrilled to hear about Taiya! Thanks for the updates! Had Jackson gotten his call yet?

Anyways... These last couple weeks have been really amazing. We have seen a lot of miracles in our area, and our mission. Our mission set a record in November for the number of baptisms in one Month. I forgot what the number was, but it was pretty amazing. Two weeks ago, Marsha Epel was baptized! She is a really cute little girl. She is 10 years old. Right now we are working with her dad. He just has to overcome some Word of wisdom problems and then they will be a complete family! This last weekend Faith and Sandra were baptized! Faith is 16, and Sandra is 10. They are so happy, and they have been so prepared! Also, on Thursday two of our investigators got married, which means that they will probably be baptized in the next couple weeks. I can't believe how much the work is taking off right now. We have been so busy in the work that time is just flying by. There is something special happening in the Uh area. 

I feel like I have a decent grip on the language now. This doesn't mean that I know it well, but that I finally know enough to teach basic doctrine. I am so happy to be teaching more, and to understand what people are saying! It is a true blessing. I have been a little down at times, but mostly just because I beat myself up too much. Life is good though! I am just happy to be a missionary!

I love you all so much! Stay strong, and remember that I love you!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. I sent Kadens letter today. I am really sorry it took me so long. I have been working on it for three weeks now! I love you Buddy!

November 18, 2012

Kaselelie ahi peneinei mwahu! (Hello my awesome Family!) I don't think that would actually work in Pohnpeian, but it was worth a shot.. ;)

Wow, just take a second to think about this.. Thanksgiving is this Thursday. Can you believe that? It is so crazy how fast time goes by. It is going to be Christmas before we know it! 

 Before I forget I am going to answer some of moms questions. I haven't gotten mail from anyone for the last couple weeks, I haven't gotten a package from Sterling either! I didn't know that he was sending me a package! I am looking forward to getting it :) We haven't checked the mail yet today though. So maybe it will be here! And yes, we get to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Senior couples are putting together an awesome meal for us. It is super expensive though. I think they said that the Turkey alone was $100. Ouch.. We are all putting together some money for that.

So I have a lot to say today, so I will do my best to get everything in. Thank you so much for your emails. It is really nice to be able to hear from you every week. I like to hear about what's happening back home. Dads emails always crack me up. The restaurant is just too exciting of a place! So this last week was AWESOME. We had so many cool things happen. If you have already looked at the pictures then you can see what happened. Meriana was finally baptized! It was really cool, because she wanted to be baptized in the Ocean. That almost never works out and even more surprisingly, she wanted me to baptize her! I couldn't tell you how amazing of an experience it was. There were only 10 of us at the baptism. Just Merianas family, a senior couple, our branch president, and a couple of her friends. We had the baptism service right next to the water overlooking the ocean. It was really cool. I will never forget the way I felt when she came up out of the water. She was a brand new person, fully cleansed from sin. She was a new member of the church, and even more importantly, a Daughter of God. On Sunday, I was also able to confirm her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Now Jasty's family is a complete family in the Church, and they are paving the road that generations will be able to follow. How amazing is that??

Since I came out on my mission, I have been learning more and more how much God's hand is in the details of our lives. He is constantly trying to form us into the people that he needs us to be. He is ALWAYS there, and he is ALWAYS leading the way, all we have to do is humbly follow in his footsteps, and trust in his loving hand. I have been learning that the Lord is 100% in control of missionary work. HE prepares the people, and HE speaks through us. We are only instruments to be used in his hands. Just like Ammon says in Alma 26, "Yea, I know that I am nothing, as to my strength I am weak, therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God. For in his strength I can do all things." This is a lesson that I have been in the process of learning since day 1 in the MTC. 

The language is coming along really well. I am finally starting to get a grip on it. If you haven't noticed, learning this language is starting to effect my grammar. But that's alright. I will get it back! I still have a long, long way to go, but I am just grateful that I am starting to be able to teach these people! I have to get going now, but just know that I am doing well. Life isn't easy, but it is 100% worth it. Mom, Dad, Kaden, Easton, Dawson, Jaymin, and Calvin. I love you. I miss you. I hope that you are all doing great,. and that you know that I love you! Take care my friends! Mihmi Keliahl! (Stay Strong!)

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. I am working on a letter for Kaden. IDK if I will be able to get it off this week, but I will try to get it sent next week!

 

November 11, 2012

Hey Momma Scrud, Papa Scrud, and my favorite little Scrud Brothers!

Man, I really enjoyed reading your emails this week. For whatever reason, I almost cried reading that story about Kaden. I don't know why. I have thought a lot about Kent Williams since I came out on my mission. He was a huge influence for me at a critical time of my life. It truly is amazing to think about the difference one person can make in the world.  I am sad to hear that Dangerous Dog had to close their doors. I HATE to see that happen. I am really grateful that Scruds is doing well though. Scruds is such a cool place, and I'm not gonna lie, I miss it a lot! Ahh.. What I would give for a mini me right now... but hey, Spam is really underrated! I am starting to actually like that mysteriously nasty canned Pork. I have been eating a Spam and egg sandwich pretty much every morning since I got out here. I know, scary huh? Its funny, this last week I have thought a lot about food and I mean all kinds of food! Everything from oreos to a Scrud Burger.

Anyways.. I don't want to waste too much time talking about unimportant things! Especially when I have so much that I want to say this week. This week has been a great week. I am already in my third transfer! I cant believe how fast time has been flying by. I am still serving in Uh with Elder Madill. The work is going so well in our area! We are teaching a lot of people. At the moment we are preparing six people for baptism! Meriana (Jasty's wife) is getting baptized this weekend! I am really excited for that. We are also teaching a Guy named Jefferson. He is Jastys nephew. He is such a funny kid, and he is really excited to be baptized! His baptism should be next weekend if all goes well. The language is coming along pretty well. I really feel like I am starting to progress. In the lessons I understand most of what is being taught, and I am starting to be able to put together sentences and teach a little bit myself. I still have a really long way to go, but I feel like I finally know enough to really start progressing.

I know this is random, but this week I have been thinking about Russ Osborne. I wish so badly that I could have had more time to work with him, and I wish that I would have done more to help him learn the Gospel. I just got so busy before I came out. I love Russ, and I wonder how he is doing. I was thinking about having Matt find out where he lives and send the missionaries to his house. Russ is an amazing person, and he really needs the Gospel! You should talk to Matt about that for me:) I have to go now, I am out of time! I love you all so much! Stay strong, and Stay busy!

Live Like you mean it!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend.

Elder Dallin A Lyman

October 21, 2012

 

Hello Family!

Hey mom, I thought that it might be a good idea to answer your questions first this week! I got a letter from Beth last week. It is so nice to hear from her. She seems to be doing really well. I can't believe she is coming home next month! I wish I could see her homecoming.. but,  we will just have to wait for mine instead:) I am really glad that you are planning to go and see her. It means a lot to me, and I am sure it will mean a lot to her. But please be safe! That is a super rough drive during the Winter! I did order the flowers, but maybe you could call and make sure they remember. The florists name is Rebecca's in Burley ID. Just look it up online :) Oh and I thought of something that I would really love for Christmas . An Electric Razor like dads would be awesome! You don't really need to worry about the pants as much yet.. Its up to you!

Okay, so I have been pretty excited about my email this week because this week has been a much better week. I started out struggling a little bit at the beginning of the week. I was tired of not being able to teach the people. I came here to bring souls unto Christ, and because of the language barrier I felt like haven't been able to do that. I began to daydream of serving in a place where I could actually teach people. Where I knew what was going on in the lessons. Where I could feel needed and helpful. I began to feel weighed down and discouraged. But we decided to have a language day on Friday. We went the whole day speaking nothing but Pohnpeian, even to each other. I was actually surprised at how much I knew! That made me feel quite a bit better about the language.

The biggest turning point for me this week however, was being able to watch conference. Conference was Amazing! I absolutely loved it. I have always enjoyed conference to a point, but it has never spoken to my heart the way it did this time. I can honestly say that It completely changed my life. It changed the way I have been looking towards my mission. I felt like several of the talks were speaking right to me. The first talk that really touched me was President Uctdorfs talk. I will never forget what he said, "Don't wait until the end of your life to live." It really made me think about my life. I am always anxious to get to the nest step in life. I always rush through the good times in my life, and I don't realize how great they are until they are past. It made me realize that I have even been rushing through phases in my mission, always excited for the nest step. I realized that I need to stop and enjoy the moment I am living in. I need to live NOW. Another talk that I really loved was Elder Holland's talk. This was the one that really touched my heart. If you haven't watched it yet, then stop reading this letter and watch it! It will change your life! Elder Holland talked about The conversation Christ had with Peter after his resurrection. Christ asked Peter three times. "Peter, do you love me?" This question sunk deep into my heart. I felt like the question was being asked to me. I pondered on this question for quite a while. I know that I love the Savior, but how have I showed it? I decided that it was time to change my focus. It is time to forget myself and go to work. God has sent me where I am for a reason. He has sent me to this mission, this Island, and this area because this is where he NEEDS me! I want you to know what my answer is to that question. YES Lord, I love thee. I love him enough to let go of myself. I love him enough to leave behind my family that I love more than anything, for two short years. I love him enough to learn this language. Most importantly, I love him enough to forget myself and my selfish desires, and to serve him with all my might. I love him enough to give him all that I have for the rest of my life. This talk was exactly what I needed to hear. And seriously, if you already watched it, watch it again. If you haven't watched yet, watch it right now! It will change your life.

I have to go now. But I love you all so much! Thank you for keeping me updated. I love hearing form you! Happy Birthday Jay Bug!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend.

Elder Dallin A Lyman

October 14, 2012

Kaselelie Family!

I enjoyed reading your emails, I spent so much time reading them that I only have a few minutes to write. I also sent Grandpa a quick email too. I wish so badly that I had more time to write and email. I really struggle with the time that is given to us to work with. I only have an hour for email, and I have to use at least 15-20 minutes of that time to write president. Not to mention, I have a hard time knowing what to mention in my emails and letters.. I just hope that everyone knows that I am trying my best to keep in touch. I really am doing the very best that I can..

Anyways, It is awesome to hear your updates. I am doing a lot better this week. On Saturday we had Zone Conference, and President Mecham came for that. It was so great to see him and hear the things that he had to share with us. He is a really good man. I am doing a little bit better in the language. I am just SO tired of not being able to speak! I want to teach these amazing people! I love them, and I KNOW that I can help them. I know that I can help them through their challenges, and help them to come unto Christ. That's why I was sent here... Right? I get really frustrated about the Language barrier, but it makes me want to work harder to learn. I am done wasting time! Last week, they sent us on what they call a BUS exchange. They sent a brand new missionary to my area for a day and it was just the two of us! We were super nervous at first, but we decided to do our best, work our hardest, and pray for miracles. The amazing thing was, the miracles happened! We had the best day that I have had since I got here. We taught six lessons, Four of them being member presents, and we had four investigators accept baptism dates! We also taught a full lesson in Pohnpeian! Okay, we read it from our notes, but still! It was totally awesome! It occurred to us that maybe it would be smart to work our hardest and pray for miracles every day. Hmmm... I'm not too quick.. :)

Things aren't perfect here, but they aren't supposed to be. I am giving this work everything that I have, and I try every day to improve. That's all that the Lord really expects from us. Just do your best, and the Lord will do the rest! I have to go now. But I love you all and miss you all so much! Don't ever doubt it. Stay strong, and live like you mean it!

Love your missionary,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. Please have Becky sent Bethany a email for me to tell her happy Birthday! I sent off a letter for her today, but it probably wont reach her in time! I love you all! Take care!

October 7, 2012

Kaselelie Penene en Lyman!

Ah man, I really enjoyed reading your emails that you sent. I enjoyed the pictures too. I must say that Jaymin shooting the target has to be the best one though:) I miss that kid so much! It is really awesome that you are on vacation. That looks so fun! I hope that you are all enjoying yourselves. It looks a little bit chilly there.. You are lucky! It is like 200 degrees here.. 

I actually haven't watched conference yet, but I heard the news! Holy Cow, that's all I was able to think about last night. That is such an exciting announcement! I am super excited for my friends back home like Jackson, Lani, Mandi, and Megan... Please update me on mission calls. I am excited to see what comes of this change. I was kind of puzzled when I first heard about it. The timing was quite ironic.. If only this could have happened last year! But I know that the Lord has a plan, and I trust that I am where I am supposed to be right now. I trust the Lords timing:) I just cant wait to see what happens in missionary work now. The work is moving foreword, and it is picking up the pace! This is such a great work to be a part of.

The work is going really well over here in Pohnpei. We are teaching a lot of people, and we are staying really busy. I am starting to come out of my shell a little bit more, and I am trying to get out of my comfort zone. I have still been struggling with the language, but I am doing my best to learn it. There is just so much to do, and so little time to do it! I really am trying my best to be a good missionary, and to overcome my weaknesses, but I feel like I am drowning in the responsibilities that I have been given. I am just doing my best to stay afloat. All I know is, this Gospel is true, and Jesus Christ lives. I know it with all of my heart, and it is faith in the Lord that will get me through. I just have to trust in him, and he will help me through this time. Although things haven't been easy, I truly do love it here. I love being a missionary. I love serving the Lord and his children. 

I have to go now, but thank you for your letters, and I am really sorry I can't write more. P-days are way too short. I love you all so much, and I hope that you always remember that! Stay strong, and live like you mean it!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. The girl that sent you the letter knows English really well! She is funny and my Companions name is Elder Madill. HE is actually from Cedar City, and We were in the same stake when I lived there. Crazy huh? We didn't know each other, but he was friends with some of my friends from YFF! Its a small world.. :)

Oh yeah, and for Christmas, I really need a decent scripture case, the one I have right now is really messing up my new scriptures. I just need a simple leather one or something like that. Also Body wash.. Shampoo.. Gel.. A loofa would be awesome. Just something along those lines! I think I am getting taller too because my pants are turning into high waters.. I might need a pair or two in size 34/32 I will let you know if I think of anything else! Thanks!

Kaden- I love you dude! I had a thought this week, listen to the difference one can make talk again. That talk changed my life!

October 1, 2012

Kaselehlie Family!

It is kind of crazy to see how fast time goes by! I have been out for over two months now, and I am already starting the second week of my second transfer. Today a new Elder came, so i'm not the Greenest Elder on Pohnpei anymore!

This week was a good week. I have learned a lot of new things, and I have been progressing well in the language. My trainer is starting to push me more to speak as much Pohnpeian as I can, and it is helping me to learn more quickly. Last night I invited Jasty's wife to be baptized in Pohnpeian. It was so awesome! The spirit was so strong, and it felt so good to be able to invite! The best part was that she accepted the invitation, and she is going to be baptized on the 27th of October! They are such a great family, and really funny as well. Jasty is one of the shyest guys I have ever met, and apparently he doesn't like to smile for pictures... Jasty was baptized this last Saturday! It was such a cool experience to see him enter the waters of baptism. He was so excited and determined to follow the Saviors example by being baptized! He was the happiest that I had ever seen him before. That night I was reminded of how amazing this work is, and what a blessing it is to be a part of. There is no greater work to be a part of than this!

This week has been a really great week in a lot of ways, and at the same time it has been a hard one. I don't know why, but I feel like I am being targeted by the adversary more now than I ever have before. He is working on me from many angles, and he is giving it a good effort. I have struggled this week with discouragement, and I have felt kind of alone. I don't feel like I am being the missionary that I always planned to be, and I am having a hard time identifying my feelings. It has been really hard because I am used to talking through my feelings with friends and family, but now the only person I can rely on for strength is the Lord. In a round about way, I see this as a blessing. The Lord is teaching me how to rely on him, and this is a lesson I have needed to learn for years. I am doing well, so don't worry! I am working hard, and I will NOT be still. The Lord is on my side, and he won't let me down! I love him more now than I ever have before! The Lord is forming me into the missionary that he needs me to be, so I must be patient. Change was never meant to come easy, but with patience and reliance on the Lord, it will always be worth it. 

It was great to hear from you all, and I loved the pictures! I got your letters this week and I absolutely loved them! Thank you so much!

I am sorry, but I have to go now. I love you all so much! Stay strong, and be safe. I pray for you every night! Kaden, You are an amazing kid. Don't let the world bring you down. Those who follow Christ are, and will forever be mocked by the world. (Read Matthew 10) I love you buddy, and I miss you. Stay strong. Remember, you are a warrior. 

Easton, Dawson, Jaymin, and Calvin, I love you all so much! Mom and Dad, thank you for the updates, and everything that you do! I love you!

Love your son, Brother, and Friend

Elder Dallin A Lyman

September 30, 2012

Kaselehlie Family!

It is kind of crazy to see how fast time goes by! I have been out for over two months now, and I am already starting the second week of my second transfer. Today a new Elder came, so I'm not the Greenest Elder on Pohnpei anymore!

This week was a good week. I have learned a lot of new things, and I have been progressing well in the language. My trainer is starting to push me more to speak as much Pohnpeian as I can, and it is helping me to learn more quickly. Last night I invited Jasty's wife to be baptized in Pohnpeian. It was so awesome! The spirit was so strong, and it felt so good to be able to invite! The best part was that she accepted the invitation, and she is going to be baptized on the 27th of October! They are such a great family, and really funny as well. Jasty is one of the shyest guys I have ever met, and apparently he doesn't like to smile for pictures... Jasty was baptized this last Saturday! It was such a cool experience to see him enter the waters of baptism. He was so excited and determined to follow the Saviors example by being baptized! He was the happiest that I had ever seen him before. That night I was reminded of how amazing this work is, and what a blessing it is to be a part of. There is no greater work to be a part of than this!

This week has been a really great week in a lot of ways, and at the same time it has been a hard one. I don't know why, but I feel like I am being targeted by the adversary more now than I ever have before. He is working on me from many angles, and he is giving it a good effort. I have struggled this week with discouragement, and I have felt kind of alone. I don't feel like I am being the missionary that I always planned to be, and I am having a hard time identifying my feelings. It has been really hard because I am used to talking through my feelings with friends and family, but now the only person I can rely on for strength is the Lord. In a round about way, I see this as a blessing. The Lord is teaching me how to rely on him, and this is a lesson I have needed to learn for years. I am doing well, so don't worry! I am working hard, and I will NOT be still. The Lord is on my side, and he won't let me down! I love him more now than I ever have before! The Lord is forming me into the missionary that he needs me to be, so I must be patient. Change was never meant to come easy, but with patience and reliance on the Lord, it will always be worth it. 

It was great to hear from you all, and I loved the pictures! I got your letters this week and I absolutely loved them! Thank you so much!

I am sorry, but I have to go now. I love you all so much! Stay strong, and be safe. I pray for you every night! Kaden, You are an amazing kid. Don't let the world bring you down. Those who follow Christ are, and will forever be mocked by the world. (Read Matthew 10) I love you buddy, and I miss you. Stay strong. Remember, you are a warrior. 

Easton, Dawson, Jaymin, and Calvin, I love you all so much! Mom and Dad, thank you for the updates, and everything that you do! I love you!

Love your son, Brother, and Friend

Elder Dallin A. Lyman

 

 

September 23, 2012

Kaselelie Family!

 

Thanks for your email! That was quite the update. Lets just say that I am glad the flu can't spread through email:) I enjoyed the pictures that you sent. I miss all of you so much. I have been thinking about Jay bug lately. He is so cute! I miss my little buddy. I miss all of my brothers. Please tell them hi for me, and that I love them! To answer your questions about the food that was sent.. I love the candy! I have been really enjoying the canned chicken, and I do like the MRE's. Honestly, everything that was sent has been really good, and I have been using it all. I can't really think of anything else that I am needing at the moment. I think I am pretty well off right now! So please let Grandma and Grandpa know that I am really grateful for everything that they sent!

 

Pohnpei is great. I am really starting to love it here. Things still aren't easy, but I am really loving the work. The people here are great. I am starting to understand their personalities, and their lifestyle. That has really helped me adjust to everything more quickly. The people here are so funny. You just can't help but love them! The language is coming along slowly but surely. I am starting to be able to communicate with people on a basic level, and I am starting to be able to testify of very basic principals. It is really fun, and I am so excited to learn more! Jasty is getting baptized this week! I am so excited for him!

 

I am sorry, but I have to go now. I love you all so much, and I pray for you every night. Stay strong, get feeling better, and give each other a hug for me:) Take care, and keep me in your prayers! Have a good week!

 

Count your many Blessings!

 

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman

September 16, 2012

Kaselelie Peneinei en Scrud! (Hello Scrud family!)

Ah man, I can't tell you how much I love reading your emails. It is just nice to hear the little things that are going on at home. It would be way awesome if Spencer moved in for a little while! I think it would be great for him and Kaden I love them both so much! And they are a great support to each other. Tell Spence I say hi, and tell him dankice for me :) So.. I just got Grandma and Grandpas Package(s). I feel bad about how much they got for me. I love and appreciate them so much, but I don't want them to think that they have to break their bank like that! I sent grandpa a thank you email. I really appreciate the weekly emails from you and dad. Even if there isn't much to say, they mean a lot to me, so keep them comin! To answer some of your questions, last week I got a letter from Beth, Collin, and Linda Sidwell. I thought it was really nice of them. Linda sent me a $25 check, so make sure she hears it ;) Please tell her thank you for me. I couldn't tell you how short P-Days are, I am worried that I won't be able to write any letters on my mission.. Well... other than to one person... :) I will do my best to write other people but just know that time is really limited. I love reading your letters, and hearing from everyone. But I can't promise that I will have time to respond.

Things are going really well for me here. I am really starting to adjust to the living conditions here in Pohnpei. Actually, about 40% of the time, it is even rather amusing. You just never know what each day will hold. I am even starting to learn how to keep bugs from getting into my food.. The culture is fun, and the people are great. Jasty wasn't baptized last weekend. We rescheduled for the 29th. He just wants to make sure that he is really ready to take that step. He is doing so well though. On Saturday, we went to his house to teach him around 7:00 PM, after we left he read the book of Mormon until 1:00 that morning, and then made it to church on Sunday. It was really impressive! He is such a strong person. Last week we had some really amazing lessons. "Ground shaking" as Jeffrey R Holland would say. I love that feeling. The language is coming along, but you know how I am. I want to speak, and I want to speak NOW. I have had a hard time the last couple of days, because I want so badly to teach these people. I want to answer their questions. I want to help them through their concerns. I want to help them to understand who they are-a child of God! I want to bear my testimony to them. But right now I can't do these things. So I must be patient. I know my time will come. And perhaps I will appreciate my ability to speak more than I ever imagined. There is a reason for everything, and I know that God will help me through. I fell that more than anything, the Lord wants me to learn how to rely on his strength, and not my own. I love the Lord, and how He works. I know that this is what I must go through to be the Man, and the missionary that God needs me to be. How cool is that?? Ah man, I just love being a missionary. Sometimes I look down at my nametag and I am shocked. I even feel like I grow a foot taller. I am a servant of the Lord. I represent the Lord. I am helping souls to come unto Jesus Christ, the Good Shepard. The Savior of their souls. What more could I want in life than that? Mom, Dad, and My Dear brothers, I love you. I hope that you remember that. I am living the dream! One day you will too:) How exciting! Just remember that the preparation starts NOW. Even for Jay Bug. Be a missionary NOW. I promise, missionary work brings incomprehensible joy. And there is no reason to fear. Open your mouth, and it will be filled. You are all great. You are all my heros. Stay strong, live like you mean it, and hold your heads up high.

"If you feel like giving up, give more."

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin A Lyman

P.S. Jose! I love you so much. You are one of the greatest people that I have ever known. I know that things are tough for you right now, but if anyone is strong enough to endure, it is you. Remember, that the Lord gives us challenges, to that we will turn to him, and learn to rely on his matchless power. As Alma says, "Look to God and Live". I have to go now, but I felt like I should leave a note for you! I love you Cuz! You've got this, and I believe in you. You are in my prayers, and I think about you often. Take care Jose. You are Amazing.

September 9, 2012

Mom!

How goes it?? Don't worry about last week! I was plenty entertained by dads email, they are always funny. This week has been a really good week. I am still trying to adjust, but I just need to relax, and focus on the positive things that are going on. We are working our butts off out here. We have more to do than we even have time for, but we keep working hard and doing our best. This week Jasty is getting baptized. He is so prepared, and he is so excited. I can't wait for that day. We are also teaching a man named Manuel who is on a baptism date. He is really awesome. To get to his house, we have to walk about a half mile up a hill that is about as steep and slippery as a ski slope. So by the time we get there, we definitely make our lessons meaningful and worthwhile! I am enjoying the work though. There are hard days, but I learn from them. As for the language, I am starting to recognize more and more of what people are saying. I feel like I am starting to have basic conversations with people, which is a huge blessing. I am just trying to learn all that I can, as fast as I can. I will learn the language, it is just going to take a little time! I just can't wait to be able to communicate with people. I can't believe that grandma and grandpa sent all of that stuff. They are so good to me. please don't overdue it though, I really don't want people to spend too much money on me. I really enjoyed dads last email. I literally laughed all of the way through it. Jay is such a cute kid. I miss him so much! Please tell him that I say hi:) Kaden, I miss you bro. I seriously love you so much. I have been thinking about you a lot this week. I hope you know how sorry I am for the jerk I have been in the past. Wen it all comes down to it. You ARE my best friend. Stay strong bud, and keep your chin up. Don't worry about other peoples opinions so much. You are a stud. You are the kid that everyone wishes they could be, that is why they treat you so badly. You are one of my hero's bud, and I talk about you all of the time. Stay strong, and keep playing your guitar. We have plenty of good memories to be made in the future! Mom, to answer some of your questions, our house does have walls, a toilet and a shower. It isn't like anything that you have seen in the states, but it is adequate for our needs. It is actually starting to grow on me a little bit. Sometimes we just have to laugh at the things that should bother us.. :) The rest of your questions are on the other email, so I forgot them... I will try to respond though if I have time. Oh by the way, I guess I am only allowed to email family. so anyone else who wants to write will have to communicate through letters.. It stinks, but that is my only choice! So please spread the word! Also, tell Matt that I have been thinking about our old Cricket stories... Good times... I miss him and Cody! Tell Grasshopper hi for me. Mom, Dad, and my dear brothers, I seriously love all of you so much! I miss you, and I think about you every day. I have the coolest brothers in the world, and I couldn't ask for better parents. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me, and please remember that I love you all. Thank you for my emails, and please keep me updated. Tell Ryan's Grandma hey! She cracks me up... I love you all! Stay strong, work hard, and live like you mean it!

Love your son, brother, and friend

Elder Dallin A Lyman

September 2, 2012

Hey Papa Scrud!

It is good to hear how things are going back home. I couldn't help but laugh when you talked about Ryans grandma, she is awesome! I wrote grandpa an email, so I don't have very much time for the family. But I just want you to know that I love you, and that I am grateful for everything that you do for me! Ah man, I want a Burger right about now... Or I guess any normal food for that matter. Even Spaghetti is starting to sound good...

I am glad to hear that you are so involved with Ryan again. I love that kid. I am also really glad that you are starting to get time off. You have really been needing a break. Scruds has almost been open for a full year! That is crazy!

The language is coming along. I am learning more and more every day. The locals are really trying to help me learn as well. They almost want me to learn the language as much as I do! I am slowly starting to adjust. On my rough days I just have to remember that the Lord is in control, and that he wont let me down. I have been really wondering why I was sent here of all places, it doesn't seem to be my kind of place. It is totally different from the mission I have always imagined. But I feel like I am starting to understand why I am here. I often feel it when I am teaching a lesson. I feel a warm assuring feeling, and a love for the people. I know that this is where the Lord wants me, even if I don't know exactly why. Just know that I am doing well! I am starting to enjoy myself here! I just have to rely on the Lord.

I hope to get an email from mom next week! I am sure she was just busy this week, but I enjoy hearing from all of you. I miss you all so much, and I hope you know how much I love you. Please tell Mom, Kaden, and all of my brothers how much I love them. Tell Them to stay strong. Please also have someone call Grandpa and tell him how to check his email. I have a feeling that he doesn't know how that works... I haven't had time to write Brother Renneker back, but I am going to try and fit that in by next week! I have to go now, But I love you! Stay strong, and live like you mean it! 

Love your Son, brother, and friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman

You are the best dad! Eat a burger for me! ;)

August 26, 2012

Hey Family, Kaselelie! (HI) :)

I am sorry about the last email, I didn't realize how negative it was. I was having a really hard week. Things have gotten a lot better. I decided that if I am going to be here, I better forget about myself and get to work. This last week has been much better. I have still been stressed, but everything will be okay. The work here isn't easy at all, but I love the Lord, and I love his children, so I will give everything that I have to the work I have been asked to do. I just want you all to know that I love you so much. I have realized that more since I have been out here than I have in my whole life. I love every one of you so much!

The work here is great. We are working more with the members than anyone else. Our branch is really weak, and we only have about 5 worthy priesthood holders, including the Branch President. We are trying to strengthen the inactive members so that we can have a strong branch. We are also teaching several families. We are teaching a man named Jastey. He is so amazing, and he is really prepared. He is going to be baptized on the 15th of September. This Sunday he came to church for the first time. Despite the branches many weaknesses, he felt the Spirit so strong that he cried. He told us that he KNOWS this is the true church. I am really excited to continue teaching him.

Pohnpei is a really cool island. To answer some of your questions, I saw a crab the other day running across the road. I wanted to catch it and cook it up! Also, the spiders here are HUGE. I am talking like 1-2 inches wide... I wish there were monkeys here, but there aren't! We do have a lot of Geckos here too. They live in our house.. They have stores, but everything is ridiculously expensive, and they don't have much to choose from. Imagine Rays in South Weber... Yes, that almost perfectly defines it! lol

Something that you should know is that they say mail often takes 3-5 weeks to get to us, so if you send anything, don't send things that will go bad. Also Mom, last time I talked to you I asked for a backpack and a scripture case. Don't worry too much about that unless you already got them. I don't want you to worry about that stuff. If you want to help at all, you could always just put money in my bank account. But I really don't want anyone to worry too much about me. I will be okay. I just have to adjust. The language is coming along. I am starting to understand some things that people say. I also have a little testimony that I have memorized! 

So after two P-days, I have learned that there isn't enough time for anything. It is really hard for me, because I am only allowed to write on P-day, and i hardly have any time at all to do that. So communication is going to be really limited, and email is definitely best for family. I hope that you all understand, and are patient with me and my limited resources. I will try and keep in contact best I can. You should be able to expect a weekly email from me every week, unless the internet is down. and I will try to write when I can. I am worried about communication with Bethany... But I can't worry about that. The Lord will take care of everything. I just have to do all that I can.

Please let everyone know that I say hi, and that I love them. Even if I have never met them! Tell everyone! Especially all of my brothers. Mom, you are amazing! I love you so much more than you will ever know. Please don't worry about me, just pray for me! Worrying doesn't do any good and Praying causes miracles. Dad, thank you so much for being there for me through everything. You are my example, and the things you have helped me learn have helped me to keep the faith and keep working hard. Dad, I love you so much. Please remember that, and please stay strong. Ryan needs the Gospel. Don't waist time. Prayerfully do all you can to help him. and tell him that I love him too.

My new address is:

P.O. Box 2203

Kolonia, Pohnpei

FSM 96941

If there is anything that I forgot, remind me in your next email, and I will do my best to reply. I love you all so much, and I pray for you every day. I am okay. I am in Gods loving hands. He is there for me, I just have to trust him. Stay strong, love each other, and keep the faith. We are all working towards the same goal, and the Savior is well on his way. The Gospel is true. There is no doubt in my mind. I ese me Sises Cris ieias, oh e poakepoake emenemen Kitial. (I know that Jesus Christ lives, and he loves each one of us). Live like you mean it! I Poakpoake kumwail! (I love you all) Stay strong!

Love your Son, Brother, and Friend,

Elder Dallin Lyman