HOLA FAMILIA! How are ya? Thanks for sending me a ton of candy for Valentine's Day (which is all gone now, by the way); it was awesome! I had forgotten about Valentine's day , to tell you the truth. Holidays don't mean as much as they did back home; out here all that means is people are unavailable. The new area is doing swell so far; the investigators who missed their confirmation date last week got it yesterday; I got 11 grey hairs from stressing over getting all this done. It's all on the ward now; at least, up until the Smalls move to Alatoona (dang it!). They were trying to find a house in the boundaries, but this was the best deal they could find, and they have to move out of that house by next week. I am a little worried about Recent Converts moving away from the ward they were fellowshipped in, but the church is true no matter where you go. Oh well. Anyway, it was a pretty awesome week; we saw both of our top investigators! last Monday we saw the 14-year old and taught a first. It was great; he is a smart kid who wants to do right. He wants to get baptized, but his parents are a little wary; while his Aunt (who a member) is his legal guardian and is very good influence on him, his parents, while supportive, think that their son is just going through a phase, and don't seem okay with him joining. We're trying to work with them and teach them so they know what their son is getting into, so we'll see. We also saw the guy we met who has a Book of Mormon already and lived in Provo briefly on Saturday with the YSA Elders Quorum President. Another spiritual lesson, where he expressed a strong desire and commitment to wanting to change his life and join our church! Yay! He missed church this Sunday because of work (sad face) but we're working on that. We did a temporary exchange thing on Thurs. to Fri.; Elder Hokafonu from the Spanish branch stayed with us while his companion was at a leadership meeting. He's a way funny kid from California (his parents are from Tonga) who is been 2 months out. Our apartment was crowded with four people, but it was a ton of fun! Reminds me of those crazy sleepovers I used to have. On Sunday I went to the branch with the Ward Mission Leader as my companion while the other 2 went to the ward to confirm the Smalls. Both wards are very awesome; I've never known a ward to be so missionary-minded as these guys are. We taught Sarah that evening; she is a recent convert of a few months, and is the funniest person I have ever met; she is so scatter-brained! Yet she is so obedient; she has done everything asked of her by the missionaries and the ward without murmur. I wish we could find more investigators and members like her. We got in an interesting argument with some Jehovah's Witnesses on the phone the other day (don't ask me how lol). They were both a little tipsy, and they used that almost worn out technique of not letting us talk lol. We bore testimony and said goodbye, which they took as an insult. I was this close to saying "the wicked take the truth to be hard" to her lol. It was a little frustrating, but wasn't anything compared to the awesome spiritual experiences we have had this week. Today I finally got to eat at the Famous Steak N' Shake, known for it's steak burgers and milkshakes lol. It was pretty tasty! Not as good as Coneys, though. Nothing else to report; I'm pretty excited for the work in this area; we have a few possible baptisms in the future! Can't wait! My companions have been great, too; Elder Youd is a way funny kid, as well as Elder Bowers. It's been a good balance of having fun and getting work done. Teaching has been interesting; we are constantly interrupting the other. It's not as bad as I thought it'd be. It did feel good to finally get someone in the water (even though I didn't find them or hardly teach them, nor did I baptize them). To see them become and stay so happy is the best thing I've ever seen. How great was my joy! I actually forgot the Superbowl was this past week; totally spaced it! We were wondering why no one was out and about that day lol. I don't care for either team, but I'm glad that the Pats lost lol. I'm a lot more confident and talkative than I used to be; it took awhile, but I've learned not to be embarrassed about talking to people I don't know. This work is too important to let my weaknesses get in my way. I'm grateful for the Gospel in my life, and the fact that the Lord will make our weak things become strong. Jesus is the Christ, and the church is so true. The Book of Mormon holds the answers to life's questions, and completes the fullness of the Gospel in this, our last dispensation, where we have a modern day prophet to lead and guide us to victory. In the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, Amen. Thanks for all you've done for me; you are the best family I could have asked for!
Love, Elder Casey Guy Dickson P.S. How's life, Missy? How's school? Tell me more, tell me more! P.S.S. S'up, Stinky? What's the buzz, dummy, what's a happenin' (give yourself 5 points if you can guess who sings that song lol)? P.S.S.S. Thanks for everything, Mom! You rock!
Casey sounds like he is doing amazing. His testimony is powerful and he is having the best experiences of his life. Glad to hear all is going well. Love to read his letters. They remind me of my own special mission experiences. Thanks for sharing.
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