Jan 22- Email Home

So its been a pretty crazy week. 

We have four family fun nights in the four days!

Just so everyone knows and isn't confused, a Family Fun Night is a FHE setting, with the missionaries. We have been told by President Riggs to get as many of these as possible. The missionaries are supposed to bring a 5-10 minute Spiritual Thought, and the Family is supposed to prepare the activity, which is anything except going to the movie theaters, and anything that would disrupt the Spirit.

Friday, we had a family fun night with the G family, A less-active part member family. We had shown up at 6:00PM (the arranged time) and we had a dinner at 7:00Pm with a different family. When we walked into their home, we smelled delicious breakfast food. Elder G and I eyed each other with the "oh no" look, but walked in anyway. We called our dinner appointment and told them we were going to be late (which they were totally fine with). We enjoyed breakfast for dinner and then we watched Despicable Me 1. We ran over to our dinner appointment soon afterward and then ate more food (Heavenly Father answers prayers!!!!!!!!).

Saturday, we had a family fun night with the W Family. Elder K and Elder S were supposed to come but ended up getting caught in a lesson, so they weren't able to show up. We played Super Smash Bros (of course I kicked butt ;) ) and then we played Liars Dice.

Monday, we ate dinner and had a nonmember at the F family’s house. Her name is K and she is a Senior in high school. We had a Family Fun Night after dinner with her and the family and it went really well. She is a potential investigator, and we can't wait to meet with her. Right now its finals week so we were going to try and meet with her sometime next week.

After the F family, Elder G and I got the impression to go to the W's house. We've been working with GW  (a Junior, who is in our ward) and we have grown really close to him. Anyway, we went over on Monday night, just to say Hi and to check on him. They invited us in and we ended up watching Atlantis! I haven't seen that show in forever. The thought was well received, and it was quite enjoyable.

We weren't able to meet with S this week, Sadly. But the good news is that she got a full time job!!!!!!!!!! We are so excited for her! We have always had the feeling that once she got a more stable situation, that she would be able to progress so much faster!

Elder K didn't break anything this week... haha! Surprisingly! It was a good week.

Yesterday, we went to the D.C. Temple! It is so beautiful! I love that temple. We also got to see the new movie that was released like a week ago! Awesome right? The Spirit was really strong. I really do have a testimony of the power of temple work!

On the way over to the library today, we saw a lady shoveling her driveway. Oh, did I mention that it snowed?! Like a ton?! It was crazy! I think we have 5 inches here, at least! Anyway, we offered to shovel it for her and we were able to talk to her for a good 30 minutes about church, and religion and the Gospel! Her name is V, and we can't wait to meet with her sometime. We have her number and she has ours. We are planning to go shovel it tomorrow because it is supposed to snow again on Thursday.

I know this Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the Redeemer. He paid the price so that we can return to our Heavenly Father again, if we come unto Him. He can help us through our trials. I know that prayers are answered, as long as we have faith, and as long as we are willing to act upon the answer. Our Heavenly Father loves us. 

I love all of you!
-Elder Dexton Armstrong

January 13, 2014 - Email Home

Dear Family,

Arrow! Yes! I'm glad you are still watching it! Such a great show! What do you think of it so far?

Way to go Tay! Third in her competition is great! I don't exactly understand how they determine the winners of a drill competiton, but I'm glad that PG did that well!

As for the life of Christ, our Bishop has been in Germany for the last month! He has family up there and so he went and visited them before Christmas. The last time we talked about it he seemed super excited for it, but I guess we will find out when he gets back.

So the deal with Elder K's tire.... Hahah! He got a brand new back rim (for free, via the warranty) on Wednesdaynight. Thursday we were riding to Spokes, our local repair shop, to get his bike fine-tuned. He went up the sidewalk ramp and started riding on the grass when suddenly his front rim bent into a taco shape, and he flew over the handle bars! Oh my gosh, we were dying with laughter. I remember him lying on the ground saying, "Crap, did my tire break?" Haha! We then bent it into a rideable state, and he rode it for the next 1.5 miles to Spokes with a flat, and a bent rim. It was great! Heavenly Father has a great sense of humor!

We ate dinner with the L Family on Friday night. It was there we found out that she had a few tasers, and Elder K got the bright idea that being tased was on his bucket list. So he volunteered. And absolutely loved it! He's crazy... Haha!

We've been working with a kid. He is a less-active in our ward who is a self-proclaimed atheist. He's awesome! He still attends seminary every day and will come to church once a month. Elder G has really made a connection with him because they both love and play guitar! (Of course this kids is way better than Elder G). Their family loves to have us over. We are really excited that we were able to connect with him, because he was really unreceptive when Elder F and I tried before.

We finally met with S again for the first time in a month. She is doing well! We talked about temples and some of the blessings that temples bring into our lives. She would love to go there one day, but her kids are extremely set against church, especially our church. We are hoping we can connect with them too, so that they can all receive the blessings of the Gospel!

I know this Church is true. I know that Jesus is the Christ, that He suffered and died so that we can experience true happiness by using the Atonement. I testify of the power of that Atonement. How great it is! It has helped me get through countless experiences, and has blessed my life innumerable times. I am so grateful for the blessing of having access to the Spirit. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us enough to let us learn and grow, and to know for ourselves what is right and what is wrong.

I love you all! Thank you for everything!
-Elder Dexton J. Armstrong

He is supposed to be having his picture taken...

January 5 - Email Home

Hey, its a new year!

 

So as you probably know, we have had cold weather. We've actually had two ice storms the last few days, which are awesome! I love them! I just feel bad for the people that don't know how to handle them out here. We try and ride our bikes (it cuts down the travel time by at least half) but if it is extremely icy or snowy, we will walk or ask for rides. And surprisingly it hasn't seemed cold enough to use the hand warmers, but thanks for the reminder!

It sounds like a great week! I'd love to see The Saratov Approach! It sounds like a great movie, from what I've heard. New Years sounds like it was a party! ;). Our New Years Eve was actually quite fun. We had a family fun night with the A family and the M family. We were able to watch Despicable Me 2! We really enjoyed it.

I'm glad that the RS was able to have a temple activity! I miss going to the temple. Out here I've realized what a blessing it is to have a temple so close back home. We only get to go once every 3 months, and we can only go if a member takes us.

I'm glad J made it to visit at the house! Haha yeah, we had some good times playing soccer! I love that guy. I'll try and get that picture for you guys!

I loved the Christmas cards I sent you too! We have a Sister in our ward (Sister Rose Dall) who is quite the artist. Her house is covered with beautiful paintings. She gave Elder G and I love those cards! She is really awesome! You should look up some of her other paintings online!

 

www.rosedatocdall.com

I miss Grandma B as well! Especially since I was able to borrow a cello this week. I remember when she took me to that "All-Cello" concert! But I know she is in a better place and that she is happily helping the work to progress!

Our church started at 11AM, which I wasn't used to! I'm used to the 9AM church, but it'll be a nice change!

So as for my new tech specialist calling, I still have no idea. We probably won't find out until February 18th, which is a month away... I think they are waiting til we get iPads and then they will train us.

Haha yes and no. I'll play around with the Harmonica, but nothing serious. Especially now that I have a cello to play on!

So the story behind the cello... We had a priest who left on his mission, and he was quite the cello player. Elder G wanted to learn the cello a bit, and I missed playing the cello so we asked the J family if we could borrow it for a few weeks. They were quite nice about it and agreed to let us use it! So now we have a cello in our apartment that we play before we go to bed. I love it!

I was able to have my first facebook lesson! It was quite interesting but stressful and nerve-racking, but it went okay! I got a referral from a friend back home for someone. He has issues with same-gender attraction and he was wondering if Mormons hated gays. I was able to talk with him about how we don't hate gays, but that is against Heavenly Father's commandments. I shared with him the mormonsandgays.org website and he felt better. He said he really really wanted to be done with those feelings that he had and I promised him that if he prayed, gave his all, and strived to keep all of the commandments that he would be blest. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth it!

It was a neat experience! I'm glad Heavenly Father was able to bless me to be able to answer his questions!

I know this Church is true. I know Heavenly Father lives, and that He loves each of us. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and He knows us. He knows what we are going through, and He can help us. Prayer is powerful. I know that with my heart and my soul.

 

I love you all!

-Elder Dexton Armstrong

December 30 - Email Home

This week was definitely a rollercoaster week! It has been more on the upside though!

Tuesday-
Had our first district meeting since transfers. We had four people leave from our district, so that means four more came in. (Which is half our district). Our district meeting wasn't the same, which is okay, because change is good!

After District Meetings, we got picked up by Brother M ( a great member from Elder G old area). He took us to Five Guys, which we usually can't go to because we don't have a car. It was Delicious!

We ate at the J Family's home. We actually had a great spiritual thought and a great Christmas Eve with them. They made great food and their kids were really awesome! After, we did a white elephant gift exchange. I ended up getting a hotwheels sized tractor! Elder G got a skeleton that grows bigger in water.

I also opened my "Christmas Eve" package from Grandma lyn! Which of course included my Christmas PJs, and a Christmas book! I was really excited! I also got a ton of Christmas letters, which I was really thankful for!

Wednesday-

Brother M picked us up at 7:20 AM and took us to his apartment. We chilled with 12 other missionaries Christmas Morning! He's a really cool member. He got gifts for every missionary, and that included me, even though he had just met me the day previous. He got me a pack of Vanilla Coke! haha we had talked a little bit about it the day previous at Five Guys!

We opened all of our presents at Brother M house! it was definitely a party! I'm grateful for the scarf and the gloves they are definitely going to help when it is cool!

He took us back to our place by 11:50. We went to the B Family's house and they let us go in their basement to Skype! President gave us an hour to Skype, which was great! I loved seeing you guys! I loved the questions you all had! I also loved seeing Pixie do a few tricks, even though she didn't seem like she enjoyed seeing me ;).

after, we played Mario Kart with the B Family! haha it was great! I schooled everyone ;).

 

We ate dinner that night at the R family's house. it was like Thanksgiving dinner all over again, and it was really delicious! Their family reminds me of our family!

 

Christmas out here was different though! We were able to talk to a few people (members and nonmembers) and the Spirit was more present than I had noticed before. No one really stood out as a potential investigator, but I know that they were touched by the Spirit. People were definitely more willing to talk to us!

Thursday-

Went by slowly. S couldn't meet that night, which was sad, so we went about visiting members and trying to visit potentials. we are always looking for ways to serve, but Its hard out here! We keep it up though!

 

Friday-

We had set up an appointment with S, but then Sister A felt sick. So we had to cancel that appointment. I'm kinda bummed that S only likes to meet in Sister A's house, but everyone has their needs, and we are willing to work with her!

Saturday-

I got sick. not sure what it was, but it hit me pretty hard, so we stayed inside so we didn't get anyone sick. I fell asleep a couple of times, but then felt better after!

Sunday-

S didn't show :(. but we had several Less-actives come, which was really great to see them there! We've been trying to work with them more, and it seems to have helped!

We tried visiting a potential investigator and we actually got a return appointment! It made me really happy!

That's pretty much the summary of our week!

I love you all! Thank you for all the support and the love! You have no idea how much it helps, even if it was just a letter!

I know that this church is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that our Savior suffered for us, so that we can return and live with our Heavenly Father. I am ever so grateful for the Atonement and its power!

 

I love you!
-Elder Dexton Armstrong

A Few Pictures Dexton Sent

Elder Armstrong's Christmas tree--given to the Elders right before Christmas day

First experience with an ice storm.  Cool and crazy all at the same time!

December 23 - Email Home

I can't believe its been three months either! It really blows my mind. Also, I can't believe that Kellie is in the MTC! That amazes me!

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This week has been hard. With Elder F leaving, getting a new companion, and not being with the family this Christmas season, it's been tough. But, I'm planning on just toughing it out.

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We had Elder Karbach with us the first three days of the week M,T,W.

Monday-

We drove Elder R around. Because of the unusual transfer to get the returning missionaries home before Christmas, they went home on Tuesday. So we had to drive Elder R all over (departing interviews, mailing, and the mission home). We were probably in the car for 6 hours!

Tuesday-

We had district meetings (as was usual) but we got a conference call (broadcasted through to the whole mission). President Riggs just talked about our highs and lows for the mission. As a mission we are number 1 in baptisms, we have a really high activity rate, and we are great with the members. The only thing we really struggle with is finding people. Elder F found out Tuesday night that he was leaving.

Wednesday-

Cleaning, baking cookies (Elder F wanted to say goodbye to a few people and give them cookies), and packing. We only had time to say goodbye to a few people.

Thursday-

Transfer meeting! Elder F got moved to Alexandria! I'm really missing him.

My new companion is Elder G. He is a musically talented kid. He's probably the next music prodigy! He's also great at taking things apart, and learning how they work, and then putting them back together! He loves cameras and movies and pictures! He's been out for about 6 months

Elder K's new comp is Elder S. Elder S is from Kawaii! He's been out for almost a year now! He's pretty cool.

We all get along pretty well, except for the fact that he and Elder S want to change everything in our area. We are working it out though!

Friday-

Crazy planning day. We visited a few members and dropped off cookies to members Elder F and I weren't able to visit. We ate at Carolina Brothers (Missionaries eat free, and its a bbq place). Elder G is in love! Elder K also killed his back tire when he went off a small jump!

Saturday-

Another busy day. We visited members, and a few investigators. Nothing really huge happened.

Sunday-

Had our Christmas day program. We also had a Christmas Concert that night for all of the four wards in the area and for anyone who wanted to come. "S" came to the Concert but left early because she wasn't feeling well. We talked to several nonmembers who attended, and it was great because the Spirit was there! We even talked to a Catholic who was really impressed! He's not in our area though.

I'm glad that everything is working out back home! Poor Zoey! I hope she isn't in pain! That sounds about right for Shash though! He is probably having a great time with Mark! Haha thinking about those two makes me laugh! I love them both! Haha crazy Pixie! She always was a rebel when it came to haircuts ;).

Sounds like the family is being crazy again! Busy schedules, especially with the Holiday season! I'm glad Tay is doing well. Poor Daws! Yeah, missing school for awhile could definitely cause problems. Cass will be able to do well in school! I know she can do it! Aleia has always been the "star" of our family!!! Haha!

I love you all! Thank you so much for all you do! 

I know this Church is true, and that Our Savior lives and loves each of us! He is there for anything we need. I know that for a fact. I know that as we pray, we come to know Him better than ever. I am ever grateful for His sacrifice. This time of year is really special. I love the Christmas Season and the joy it brings to all of us.

I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of our Heavenly Father. He restored the true church through Joseph. We have the authority of God. I have a testimony of the power of the Priesthood. I am so glad that I am worthy to hold that Priesthood

Have a very Merry Christmas! Love you!

-Elder Armstrong

December 16 - Christmas Pictures

It's Christmas at the Elders apartment!  

Elder Armstrong thinks he needs a home!  I can't believe he fits in there!

December 16, 2013 - Email Home

This week has been terribly slow. All of our teaching appointments fell through. Most were at the beginning of the week when it was snowing, and S canceled again, but she surprised us by showing up yesterday to church! We were extremely glad to see her and to see that she wants to be there!

We had our Mission Christmas Conference/ "party" on Friday, and then had our ward Christmas Party on Saturday. One of the members offered us a good sized artificial tree, so we took it! So now we have a few christmas trees throughout our apartment. :)

 

We bought Christmas lights and put them up everywhere in the apartment. It looks pretty festive in there!

Elder R is going home this week. He leaves tomorrow. At the beginning of the transfer, he was really trunkie (meaning that he couldn't stop thinking of the things he wanted to do when he got home). Now, he doesn't want to leave. It's been really cool to see the change that happened over the transfer.

 

It sounds like you guys have had a crazy week! It seems like it has been a lot of fun though! Way to go Tayla! I'm glad they finally got the ranking in the drill competition they deserve! ;).

 

Please don't send anything this next week because I might get transferred! I'll tell you on Friday if I got transferred or not!

 

I'll be looking for your packages! I love you all so much! Thank you for your support!

 

I know this Gospel is true! The Savior loves each of us dearly and perfectly. Our Heavenly Father knows us, and He knows what is best for us!

 

Til next week!

-Elder Dexton Jonathan Armstrong

December 10, 2013 - Letter Home

12-10-13

Family!

How is everything going?  The last few days have been kinda crazy!  Snow is everywhere!

So I'll describe a little bit of how we tract!  First, we pull out a map of our area and Elder F & I will both pick 3 streets mentally and then we tell them to each other.  Surprisingly, we always pick on street similar to each other!  So that is where we go tracting for that day!

So far, we've only encountered one family that is a potential investigator from tracting!  We haven't been able to contact them since the first visit, but it's been good!

We go the the door and knock.  Elder F & I switch off talking @ each door.  We tell them that we are representatives of Jesus Christ and that we can help them and their family have happiness.  If they decline, we generally offer to do service for them!  I've only had one door slammed so it's been kinda nice.

It's sometimes intimidating to be the parent of me?  Man, I didn't realize I was that bad of a child! :-) Hahah just kidding!  Yeah, Kellie sent me an audio recording of her talk!  It was really awesome!  She did a great job!  I'm excited for her to be a missionary!

Did Cassia's letter ever arrive?  What about her bday card?  You didn't mention it, so I was kinda worried.

So this last week I've hit 190 miles on my odometer!  It kinda blows my mind that I've ridden that many miles in almost 3 months!  Thats about 15 miles a week!

I want you all to know that I'm trying my very best to do all I can out here.  I'm sorry if I fail or if I am not able to be successful in all I do.  I just want you to know that I'm going to give all I can before I ever give up with anything!!

I know this Church is true.  I know that the Savior lives and that He died so that we can return to our Father in Heaven. Our Heavenly Father loves us.  He knows us personally and can call us by name.  Joseph Smith really did restore the truth of the Gospel.

I love you all!!
Elder Dexton Armstrong