Season 1 Episode 5: The Fellowship of the Truth

A throw off of the Fellowship of the Ring from lord of the rings? Pretty good eh?

This week was so fun and so spiritual! As far as finding new people that was somewhat delayed because president Low gave us the opportunity to go to the Halifax Temple! That happened on Wednesday and man let me tell you about it! But before I do, the last time i was in the temple i was working as a ordinance worker and i officiated a session. Which in its self is a story and a half. So when I was able to do a session and see the difference and the small changes it was fantastic! I also got to take my own name! (I took one name that I found thinking I could perform it in the provo temple next to the MTC but it was closed for holidays and renovation whenever it was our p-day so I felt kinda bad for him because hes ready he just need to go you know? But I was able to bring him through the Halifax Temple!) His name is oscar julius longberg he lived in Sweden I believe in the 1800. 

But man despite how much smaller this temple was, it was absolutely stunning. Not gonna lie I probably spent like an hour in the celestial room and 50 of those minutes praying. Easily one of the best times of my mission. Now we went around 10 and then came out at like 1:30 and then we had interviews with the mission president which were so good! I got a lot of advise and my interview was kinda short (at least compared to my companion and the other missionaries haha) but it was good! I got to see Sister Keller and Mavy in the mission office because president Low was running a little late with the interviews haha. 

Then we made it home and drove a total of 2-3 hours from Truro to Halifax but we got to see some awesome views I'll add some pics. Then the next day we drove another 2-3 hours to zone conference! And man that was so awesome to because I got to see Sister Mavy and Keller again! And all the missionaries in our district (around 30-40ish (and there are 3 districts)) we talked a lot about helping members do there own mission work and giving the Sisters and Elders a hand in finding people to teach. (I like this plan because we have done a lot of knocking haha) when we work with members (such as having a meal with them) the people that either they or we invite will be more open to talk because they are with someone they know. And the odds of bringing them into an understanding of what God wants for them and the doctrine and comfort that the Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints can give to them. So I'm pretty pumped! 

That took up most of the day but we were still able to visit with sister Folland. She is such a wonderful lady and she has been through so much! She is so stubborn in her faith that she is pretty much the prophet. She went through an especially hard time because its the anniversary of her husband death (last year) and she was waiting for tests from her not so great doctor (she calls him dr. Quack) so we were able to visit with her and reaffirm the importance of the Book of Mormon. The whole time she was just like *think this in a older lady voice that's kinda raspy* "I know i just need to do it more!" She is such an awesome lady and she does a lot of mission work! She posts so much on her Facebook and she hands out pass along cards and Books of Mormon when ever she can so she is totally doing our job even in rough times! 

While knocking a lady answered the door and looked like she was having a rough patch and told us (this was this last sunday) that she had gone to church for the first time is a really long time. She told us that she wasn't much for crowds so she went to a movie theater for church (I guess they had some kind of sermon) and we talked about the Book of Mormon and the restored truth in it. We left her with a card with our number and she seemed really curious to. And it's like what are the odds that we visited her the first time she went to church in some time? Idk don't ask me! 

We also met with Trish and Matthew and tried to reteach and teach the first lesson but it didn't quite follow that haha. Previously Matt was concerned with the law of tithing. And Trish, (being a recently baptized member and being obedient to this commandment) was telling us all the blessings and convenient sales and miracles that she had experienced.  They are trying to purchase a house and they are expecting a son in April so Matthew was a little concerned about money at this point (I would to) but I think after this I think hes pretty much ready. And other thing about him! He understands the Book of Mormon so well! We were reading about te tree of life and before we could go into it and explain what it all meant, he told us if he could have a crack at it. And he was like 95% correct! Trish was telling us that Matthew wants to know what he is committing to with baptism and that is the best! So next meeting we will probably put him on date! 

The rest of the week was good! But not to eventful after that unfortunately. But Sunday was great (it always is though) and we got to visit with bro Moses on the phone and get some goals and objectives put up. Hes really stern and wants stuff to happen. So when we report to him what we've done successfully or unsuccessfully he encourages us and asked us what we can do better. Many times these calls stress me out as well as Elder Robinson haha.

I love this work! I love the people here (and their personalities at their door they really are funny there excuses are very humorous especially when they have to make them up right then haha) I know I'm here because the Lord wants me here read your scriptures! And pray often! 

I love you all! I await the day I can see you all once more! Stay faithful!

 

Elder Dahl 2.0
Canada, Halifax.
Truro.

Scenery: https://youtu.be/cqjRrlFvXPQ

Defrosting window: https://youtu.be/cqjRrlFvXPQ

Deer: https://youtu.be/hEYHHsqdQn4

Season 1 Episode 4: Philosophical Conundrum: A Flashback to TOK

This Lord has a funny way to let me know I'm doing just fine. One of the things I've thought I struggled with was feeling or being guided by the spirit. But after this week, I'm never going to doubt again. 

As far as knocking and finding people to teach, we haven't been to successful unfortunately. A lot of people here are almost scared of the missionaries. As it turns out the pastors for the other churches warn who they preach to about us so the second they open the door, well I'll let you get creative haha. We did have several people hear what we had to say and we left pass along cards so seeds have been planted! But we haven't done to much reaping yet haha. But we have made progress with Matthew and the biggest thing for him is to read the Book of Mormon. The last few times we have had a shortish lesson and then read some chapters in the Book of Mormon with him. And he gets so much out of it! We visit with them later today. And we have been challenged by our district leader to invite him to be baptized. So we will see how that goes! 

Now to the best and worst part. Since I emailed last we had 2 lessons with the other Matthew. For the story he will just be called Matt. We came the day we scheduled (very nervous because we really didn't know what to expect we just left him with a commitment to read a few versus) and went we got in we were shocked. He started telling us that he did some research about the "Mormon church" and told us that we get a bad rap. And was amazed at how our religion works and how they allow 18-22 year olds to serve these missions voluntarily. He also said that he read Moroni's promise and he didn't get it. So we explained it to him and he was very curious. 

We bounced around a lot and ended up discussing the plan of salvation a little and a few other points all of which he enjoyed. But here is were it gets tricky. He is very philosophical hes probably a professor or something because a lot of what he says points to one thing that I don't believe in God but I'm not going to deny that there isn't one. During this time Elder Robinson would say points and that got me thinking about TOK (theory of knowledge from Renaissance) and so I could get were he was coming from and tell my experience and then relate what I know to our church. One example he brought up was the blind people touching and elephant each of them have a part of the elephant (leg trunk etc.) That they know is true but they don't have the full truth. Now being in TOK I knew this allegory. And being directed by the spirit (legit I cant pull what happened out of my (fill in the blank) and I couldn't make this up) and I said that each religion is one of these blind guys they have part of the truth... (he nods) but the church is the whole Elephant and has to fullness in its entirety the tusks tail organs etc. And he just laughs and says "Marketing! I love this guy!" I think he got it, but doesn't believe it... we had a really fun discussion especially because he cant talk with us they way he talks with his pastor or wife, they wouldn't get it. So I feel that we can teach this guy. 

We met with him yesterday and we brought Elder Lewis (one of the senior missionaries) with us to help keep the discussion we had planned a little more direct. But that plan fell through pretty much immediately. Now I he claims (could be legit I really cant tell or know) that he saw God in his garden one day and he told him many things (of which he didn't tell us to much) but one thing that the vision he had told him was to "lay by my pool and wait for me for eternity" now when his vision had ended long story short, his wife was scared and called 911 were police came and put him in the psyche ward for a few days. Now I'm a new missionary and I think that this stuff doesn't happen to regularly. So God blessed me with quite a challenge. And we had a good discussion on revelation and wanted to keep talking but by this point we had gone for well over 2 hours and it was 9 o clock. So we had to go. The second lesson really was a runaway train. And Elder Lewis thought we should drop him just because we've spent 4 hours (2 visits) with him and he likes what we have to say but doesn't quite believe it because his philosophy makes him doubt and question. We kept driving the point of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and finally were able to commit him to read any 10 pages and actually do Moroni's promise. 

We haven't scheduled a return date, but we do have his number we will probably call and see if he's done anything yet sometime this week. I did love our discussion, it was very entertaining, but that's not why I'm here. And my time can be better spent. But as of now, we really don't have a lot of people to teach so we are kind of in a pickle haha. What made that night so so so good was what Elder Robinson said on the way home. He told me he was so proud of me and the way I jumped in (there were a few times were the spirit of contention were with Elder Lewis and Robison and here I was enjoying the discussion) and was able to connect and answer his questions with the experiences I've had with ToK I connected the allegory of the cave to the church (some how thank you spirit) and he told me to never doubt if I'm being led by the spirit because when we were teaching him there were points and thoughts in Elder Robinson head that i straight up said to Matt. Man it was a wonderful experience maybe not a successful one but only time will tell. Elder Robinson also brought a neat aspect of the priesthood that I never thought of and that's using the priesthood to confirm truths or blessings in prayer. Elder Robinson shared how at the MTC they used the priesthood to confirm there knowledge of Joseph Smith. And it did! So that's what we did with Matt. We did a companion prayer and asked with the power and authority of the priesthood to bless Matt that when he reads any 10 pages of the Book of Mormon that he will know that it's true and he will recognize the spirit telling him it. Went the prayer was over I was overwhelmed it was so crazy! So wonderful! My eyes were opened once more of the power of the spirit and the priesthood.

Man I wish I had more time haha.

Love you all! The church is true and so is the Book of Mormon. In other news I was chosen to speak in sacrament meeting (typically there are 2 speakers right? Well a massive storm came through we still had a wonderful turnout but i was the only speaker) and it was awesome! Everyone said they loved it so I guess i did good and I only cried twice so ha!

Elder Dahl 2.0

Cananda Halifax 

Truro 

https://youtu.be/1Xrx2kubBfo

Season 1 Episode 3 Tic Talking

This week had me a little discouraged, but fear not being discouraged is not in my nature! We had a great week none the less! The only part that was a little frustrating and in no way bad, is that Elder Robinson and I didn't know how to get out of a conversation. There are several older sisters in our branch that never stop talking and both Elder Robinson and I hate to interrupt and we both don't talk a lot unless we are asked something. But we have made a goal to change that. In our district we have goals to fit in "x" amount of finding hours, people to teach, lessons (taught to members and non members) and we fell short on all of them. Some of it is due to the amount of time we spent at members homes visiting with them, and other times its driving (Truro is so large and vast that it takes 10-30 minutes to get places unfortunately) but we have made a goal to really limit our visiting with members (like put a cap of 1 hour and then as politely as possible leave). So that we can exceed our goal this week! But other then that, this week really was good. 

Since we got here the sisters before us were able to baptise a sister, and she has a husband who is interested and we have had several lessons with him and he has made a lot of progress! In our last one we wanted to get him into the Book of Mormon (hes been reading a lot from the Bible which is good, but if he reads the Book of Mormon then....) But in this last week, he and his wife have been injured or sick so we haven't been able to meet with him which isn't the greatest and what makes it even better is we won't be able to meet with him till Thursday. Nonetheless that should be plenty of time to read the Book of Mormon haha. He really is an awesome guy I think I talked about him last time (Matthew). 

In other news while knocking we found another guy named Matthew. He welcomed us in. Now he is a very learned man. And he is very knowledgeable of various religions. And within the first few minutes he was asking what saving doctrine he could share with him (pretty much mocking us but somewhat politely) and Elder Robinson was just kinda quiet (hes been out for a while and he thinks that some people shut their ears when they see us and just want us to leave or if they listen to us they just listen to not listen and say what they want to say and then shut their door (which is true many times unfortunately)) so I thought that he might been thinking that. But I popped in and told him that one saving doctrine is Babtism by immersion with proper authority. And that the sprinkling of water on the head that some religions do is not correct. So that got him a little interested and he was a little more willing to hear us. But nonetheless he still went about philosophically saying that you cant prove anything (such as Plato and the circle (you cant ever have a perfect circle etc)) but I tested him a little (he seemed like a not perfectly happy guy) and asked him what happiness was to him. And he avoided my question! and went about describing what happiness is to others so I'm here like: hehehehehehHHHhHHHahahaha I've got something! Then I asked him "yeah but what is it to you?" He paused and thought and said "working towards a goal." he then went on to explain that if you accomplish a goal you feel happiness and that when you continually work to accomplish this goal then you're happy.... Well boy do we have something for you! I bore my testimony that the work I do makes me happy! And its through Jesus Christ that brings an infinite happiness. At this point he still was stiffnecked but I asked him if he has read the Book of Mormon. He said no, but he did have one. So playing on his ego a little I said "ok there is a promise in the last chapter of the Book of Mormon in Moroni." The I paused and said "you know what I'm not going to tell you the promise, I'll let you figure that one out!" And then he was like 0.0 "ok. I'll read it. what was it again?" And I told him "Moroni chapter 10: 3-5 verse" and he wrote it down! He said that he would read it and peruse the Book of Mormon a little. We have a time to meet with his this week on Wednesday! And I'm a little spooked about going, and I have thought in my head various ways it could go. But this experience will be a great one no matter what happens. 

So as sweet as this experience was, it was the only one that lead to someone being interested. We did pass out several card to some nice people, so seeds have been planted! And I am excited to continue! We also had a new missionary conference with President Low, his wife, and his assistants so I got to see all the missionaries that came with me! They all look well! And we had a training on adjusting to missionary life, reported on our week briefly, and read scriptures pretaining to Obedience. It's funny to because they and Brother Moses asked how I was with homesickness and the change. And like really I don't feel it. The homesickness that is. Heavleny Father has bless me to adapt to the change and not feel homesick! I just feel motivated whenever think of home. 

Anyway this week was a little slow as far as finding and actually teaching lessons, but I know that as I am obedient, and we use our time wisely, we will get blessed for our efforts. In other news, my Great friend Josh goes into the MTC here on Wednesday! To the Utica New York Mission! And will be serving with one of my Cousins: Sister Joos! So I'm very excited for them! I've also received several emails about the weather here so I'll tell a little on that. It has snowed every morning (except these past few days we got a lot of sunshine). And the coldest I've been in is -20 Celsius plus wind chill (also I cant remember if I said this but Canada used kilometers instead of miles and Celsius instead of Fahrenheit and a few other things haha) and man! The record of coldness here is actually -50 Celsius but that was a really long time ago. (There was a story that Brother Putnam told us about it it was spooky) but I've got a really nice big coat a gnarly scarf some neat boots and some thermals so the only thing that get cold is my face and toes (I haven't been putting on 2 pairs of socks rip). 

 This church is True. Heavenly Father would love to pour blessings out on you! Sometimes you have to ask for them, and other times he blesses you behind your back and you don't see them. One thing that really encourages me is a saying (I cant remember were I heard this but its really great) those who don't have thegosple cant be forgiven of the sins they have made because they don't know how. Our job is to tell them how. I love you all and everyone here! Keep reading your scriptures. EVERYDAY BOTH AS A FAMILY AND PERSONALLY. I feel I can't stress that enough. If you do all questions will be answered and so much comfort can be gained. Growing up in the church I took it for granted and now as I serve along converts to the church and when we visit with them and hear their testimonies about the power of the Book of Mormon I want to share that message!! So if you are, keep it up! If not, Start er' up! Your answers will come in thoughts feelings and impressions so if you have em, write em down eh? I love you all so very much and I want you to feel what I feel! so read! Also just now I got a text from Brother Moses and I'll be speaking in sacrament meeting this Sunday. Hopefully I don't laugh-cry my way through this one ;) 

Again love you all! 

 Elder Dahl 2.0 

Canada, Halifax. 

Truro.

Season 1 Episode 2: New year, New Country, New Me

Ok so my P-days are Tuesdays and I'm only aloud 2 hours to read and write so if I don't respond to you I'm sorry and I'll try to get you next week haha. 

Anyway happy new years! I was in the MTC on new years so nothing really happened not gonna lie. (Insert last email here) and now I'm in Canada! We ended up getting out of immigration and security around 11 and then went to the mission home in Halifax we had some awesome home made taco soup which was heavenly compared to the last few meals we had haha. But by the time we got to bed it was like 12:30 and being obedient missionaries woke up at 6:30 prepped for the day and looked upstairs to see no lights on so we just chilled in the bedroom for another half hour RIP. But it was all good! The next day after the mission orientation the presidents assistance took us shopping for boots and coats and to get out drivers licenses and anything else we needed and honestly it took the whole day and I was itching to go out! I did talk to someone while waiting at the Canadian DMV and he was a base ball player for nova scotia! I didn't get his name but he looked really old and I may have offended him a little because I asked if he coached and he was like "no I play" so \_(0.0)_/. But then after that i got a really nice coat and i went to buy it and my capEd card wouldn't work. Its probably because I was out of state let along county, but I was able to withdraw some cash from a Canadian ATM without a problem so yee. 

Then that night we got our assignments and I got assigned to Truro, Nova Scotia! The next day we got to the mission office. And went on our way. We meet with the other missionaries in the area a total of maybe 20 (but 6 of them were on there way home) and I met my trainer Elder Robinson! He is a really cool guy and he's been out for a little over 6 months so he's still a little new. Plus they put us in a new area were we no no one, but there was a senior couple, the lewis's and they helped us out a lot! Over the next few days we met with a recently baptized person named Trish (who was confirmed and given the holy ghost this last Sunday by us and the bishop (awe yeaaaaaahhh)) and her husband Mattew who isn't baptized...yet haha. But they are so awesome! Matt reminds me a lot of Mr Smith from Renaissance. He's got that lumberjack build and beard and he is a really nice guy! And the entire confirmation experience was so amazing and brother moses (who I'll talk a out later) gave the confirmation. The next few days we met with some of the older members (before I continue there were sister missionaries here for the past year  and the entire branch was somewhat shocked at receiving Elders) that being said our apartment was really well cleaned and organized and it had a lot of stuff to (the sisters that left were on there way back home so they left some stuff for us and food as well thanks so much!) 

But back to the members, the sisters did amazing reactivating and finding the women in the ward all above the age of 50ish maybe 40 and this became a concern because we would have to have a 3rd priesthood to visit them. But we got permission from president low to visit them like the sisters did so thats a blessing. They are all super nice (at least the ones we've meet haha) that being said, there are a lot of men that have been wanting to do missionary work but couldn't because there were sisters so that opens up a lot of opportunity! We are over a single branch of around 30 (from sundays sacrament meeting) but there are lots of inactive members and if they all came, the branch would be a ward no doubt. So that's one of my goals is to reactivate lots of people! One thing that I was and am worried about is that the people here talk. A lot. Something about being from here makes people chatty and go off on tangents repeatedly. One example was we invited the branch clerk elder irqheart to visit with an elderly lady (sister Folland) and he just talked and talked went on a tangent paused and then went on another tangent haha. And the same goes for everyone we had met so far haha. It's good to talk with members but not when you are talking for 2 hours at a dinner appointment (different story) it can get in the way of finding time that's all haha. 

But I love it here! It has snowed every morning since I got here and I've been told that in the summer it gets so hot and humid, and bugs are everywhere so yay. One last thing is there is a member named Brother Moses. (Yup like the prophet) and he is part of a ward in Dartmouth but he travels 1 hour to be a branch leader here. And he is an absolute champ. be is amazing like picture bishop Stafford, brother keeley, bill Shaffer, and brother shaw (and a few other youth leaders maybe that guy brother Romney) and brother moses is him. He works hard and effectively and loves to work with missionaries. He know how to really compliment people. We bore our testimony and introduced ourselves on Sunday which was an awesome experience and he came up to us and asked "why are you so good?" Me being new and Elder Robinson fresh to the area were speechless really. He said a few other things that were real esteem boosters and he wanted to get to know us and our families. He's like another president Low but I can see him more often haha. He really is great and I'm so happy we can work with him. 

Also the 2 hour Sunday threw me off like Cuz I was in the MTC for the last few sacrament meetings and going back to church and it being shorter confused me like I knew it happened, but it was quick! One other neat thing was when be bore our testimony and told a little about us, (one of the older sisters (sister Redford amazing lady)we visited brought this to my attention) more men came up and bore their testimonies. Sister Redford told us that that was never the case (just because the branch has a higher female population) so we have got a good priesthood body! I know that's a lot sorry but it was just so good! Also sorry again for any typos or confusing sentences i have to write quick haha. 

One last experience was my first day finding! The first door we knocked a guy opened up and we introduced ourselves and he somewhat interrupted and said "you came to the wrong house" and closed the door. It was pretty similar for the rest of the night unfortunately. But we did find a jehovah witness (first time meeting one honestly) and he was a cool guy disagreed with us but I mean what can you do? And wanting to get out of the situation we were leaving and he asked "are you sure you got the right doctrine? And looked at him and said absolutely. I kinda wish I said "yes that's why I'm here!" Oh well probably shook him still haha. The second time was better though! And we found a black preacher (like think stereotypical black preacher. That's him)for a church down the road and was happy to see us because he loves Jesus and the bible. But I got to hear some false / confused doctrine from him I'd love to teach him but he'd be tricky haha. We also found a elderly lady who had recently lost some of her friends and we talked for easily 20 minutes and left her with a card so hopefully she'll look into it! But yeah! Awesome experiences so far! One last one promise. we knocked (the door is surrounded by windows) we see her look at us (we wave) she walks past the door up her stairs and look through a window to the right and wave "no." Haha that was the most awkward and funny thing that's happened so far. Now that could have been 2 people but someone walked past the door and a person did wave "no" so that was really funny!

In the future I'll try to keep them shorter sorry haha but it's all just so good!

Love all of you!

Elder Dahl 2.0
Cananda, Halifax.

Truro.

Video from their flight to Canada: https://youtu.be/oRezxsWYWE0

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Canada Bound!

Canada Bound!

Season 1 Episode 1 Fried Elongated Fish Paste and a Spooky Landing

Since the pilot episodes are pretty much over.

So this email will be a little more brief as I am writing in Boston and haven't arrived at Halifax. Our flight will be 6:35 so in like 2 hours man is time seriously warped in my head right now it's like I left before the sun got up and then when we got here the sun was going down! Our travel group consisting of myself Elder Hicks and Madsen and sisters Heggie Keller and Mavy with myself as the travel leader (I really didn't do anything). But we got all checked in and baggage checked and tickets gotten. Then we had a few hours to kill before the flight and then 4 more hours on the plane. Which I used to study the new testament and i got through 20 chapters! It's really neat how Jesus taught and healed people. Most of the time he has compassion towards them and heals them or they ask. And i understand the parables that he gives a little bit more so that's sweet! I find certain wording of versus intriguing esp. With the Joseph Smith translations so if you don't have anything  to do...

Anyway the flight was fun especially the landing it was definitely the roughest landing I've ever experienced and it was soooooooo funnnnn! My stomach dropped (like roller coaster tummy tickles) probably like 5 times in the last 10 minutes and then it was a slanted bouncy landing going really fast. That woke me up haha. As of now we are just chilling waiting for our plane in Boston Massachusetts and will probably get something to eat here soon. I can't wait to see my mission president and my companion trainer! But that will probably be known to you guys next week unfortunately. But we shall see! In other news I'm like the only missionary with one large baggage case and then the carry on case and my side bag. The other missionaries have like 2 full large ones and a carry one and a side bag so hopefully I didn't miss anything haha. I'll add some pictures to this email so y'all can see what I see. In other news that I just got now is that our mission in merging with the Canada Montreal mission so we will have 3 times the missionaries and speaking mandarin, French and Spanish so I may get a reassignment to speak another language! Which I'm totally down to! 

But as for my last week in the MTC it really was awesome except the last day but I'll bet to that. Overall the experiences I've had really matured me as a person and spirit and it's something that the other newer missionaries told us. They said that we just looked way older like 20-22 and when we told them how old we were (18-19) they were like "what not way" that makes no since. So that's an answer to one of my prayers was to notice my growth and testimony of this true gospel. But as for the last day nothing was really bad about it expect that dinner was fish sticks. Now some of you may be like "what? that's not bad" but fish sticks are a sin and should never exist. Just have mozzarella sticks or chickens strips. Not fried fish paste that's been elongated. So I just had myself like 40 saltines and 2 bowls of cereal. So far no side effects so I think I may be onto something. Love you all and can't wait to share more especially about my mission!

Elder Dahl 2.0