It's Fall!

Talofa!

So I don't know if any of you knew this but fall is my favorite time of year/season. S Gomez and I pass zillions of houses all decorated for Halloween and I freak out each time because I love it so much. I'm pretty sure on Halloween we will have to be in our apartment by 6:00 so that's great! Ha Ha! Our branch has a party the night before luckily. 

This week was one full of miracles! Monday was P-day. That night we had dinner at the Munoz's with Sylvia and Emily. It was funny because the night before we had been telling Sylvia how we only have a certain number of miles per month so we try not to drive a ton. Well she called us Monday morning and offered us a ride to the Munoz's house for dinner because they live pretty far. We were so grateful to her!

Tuesday we had a bunch of appointments. We were able to see people we hadn't for a while and it was good to get back in contact with them.

Wednesday we went to Lincoln for Zone Training. They ZLs introduced the family mission plan, which our stake president is implementing in all the stake. It is basically where the members are asked to fast and pray about people they know who are nonmember or less actives and figure out who heavenly father wants them to fellowship. They schedule appointments with us to teach them at their own pace. I think this is great because it gives them members the chance to be a part of bringing someone to Christ. After all, this is the members work and we are here to assist them. I received so much personal revelation on things that I need to do better and my testimony was strengthened on the importance of focusing everything we teach on the atonement of Christ.

We got back to Columbus, had dinner with the Reeves family (who by the way is having a baby girl after 3 boys) and then we got back on the road and headed to Norfolk for exchanges. The sisters there are just opening the area so they are in the finding stage.

Sisters Willis (this is her first transfer) and Fuller. 

S. Fuller and I are convinced that we will be companions some day because we both look so familiar to one another and it has to be from Heaven because she's from Arizona and I am not. She is in two Mormon.org videos so look them up. One is 195 dresses and the other is Because I Have Been Given Much. She is Jessica in the videos. Well she is Jessica in real life too.... Anyway! Exchanges were awesome! We got to meet people they are potentially going to teach and it was great to see how their companionship does things because we all do things different so it was great to get some new ideas.

Friday I woke up feeling awful! My nose kept running and I had a headache all day. Luckily we were pretty busy with appointments so I just had to push forward.

Saturday was BAILEY'S BIRTHDAY! Yay Happy birthday Bai! I hope you had a great day! "I don't know about you but she's feeling 22!" I was feeling a little better Saturday. but not too much. We taught some people and then there was a baptism in our Branch so we went to that. His mom is a member. All of us missionaries sang some songs while Xavier (9year old boy) changed. Satan tried really hard to stop that baptism. He was in the hospital all day until 10 minutes before they were to be at the church. It was a beautiful service. One of our Investigators came to the baptism, which was bomb! She is getting baptized on the 19th of October and is so excited. She is one of those prepared people. S Gomez and I know that we promised Michele in Heaven that we would find her and teach her the gospel.

Sunday was a great day. In relief society we talked about the atonement and It was so enlightening to learn how I can better use the atonement in my life. We have this sweet 91 year old lady that we go visit every once in a while. Her name is Eileen. She is Lutheran or something like that but she always allows us to share scriptures and pray with her. We felt the need to go visit her last night. Turns out it was her birthday! She was so grateful that we got to come spend some time with her on her birthday. She really is the cutest little thing.

Something that I learned in my studies and from zone training this week is how important the Savior is in our teaching. He is central to the church and he is the reason we are all here. People always talk about how we as members have that 'GLOW' and I came to realize that glow is from the Savior, the light of the world. As we continue to strive to have His image engraven in our countenance we will continue to have that glow about us.

I love you all! Thanks for the love and support you all show me. I wouldn't be able to do this if it weren't for y'all so thank you :) Have a great week and don't be strangers, write me a letter :)

Love always,

Sister Dumont

 

Howdy Y'all!

This week was a busy one! Monday after e-mails we went to J. C. Penny's to get a tie for Miguel for his baptism. I ended up getting a Cornhuskers Hoodie, you know my obsession with hoodies, that has a huge red N on the front. I love it so much!

Here is a funny story for Tuesday. We were waiting at a park for Miguel so we could have our lesson. We got there a little early and we both had to go potty really bad. The Hyde's live just up the street so we decided to walk up there in hopes that they would be home so we could relieve ourselves. ha As we were walking it didn't really look like they were there and I was kinda gonna have an accident. Sister G goes, "just have faith." As we were walking up to the house I said in my head, "I DO have faith!" and at that very moment sister Hyde pulled up in her van! Miracles happen everyday!

Wednesday was district meeting in Seward. That morning driving there was the thickest fog I have ever seen. On the way home was the hardest rain ever. Crazy stuff. One of the companionships we are over is Sister Smith and her comp. Sister smith was in my District at the MTC and she is the only one I haven't seen yet. I got to talk to her on the phone on Wednesday and I cried a single tear of joy. I can't wait to go to Iowa for exchanges.

Thursday we did a performance at the nursing home. It was so great and they loved it. The spirit was so strong. One our investigators, Michelle, is back on for baptism! I will explain more later :)

Friday was a big leadership training for zone leaders, sister trainer leaders, and their comps. This means that I got to see Sister Page! Heavenly Father really loves us :) The training was amazing. The Book of Mormon musical is coming to Omaha so we as missionaries are preparing ourselves for all the negativity that will come with that. It is exciting though!

MIGUEL'S BAPTISM! Saturday was amazing. The spirit was so stinking strong. It is so amazing watching these people we teach enter the waters of baptism and promise to follow Christ. He is such a strong guy and I am so glad that his family is complete no, all baptized. Next is the road to the temple! YAY!

Sunday we went to the Restoration concert in Omaha with Sylvia, our investigator, and Sister Spicer. It was so amazing! Sylvia said she felt the spirit so strongly. We are hoping she and her daughter Emily are next for baptism. We have become really good friends with them. She has a rough background, her husband is in prison and she is being so strong for her two girls. She notices the blessings of this gospel. It is all in the Lord's time.

My invitation to y'all this week is to study why we are asked to read the Book of Mormon every day...what is so important about it? Why is it the keystone of our religion? My testimony is that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. After the resurrection we will all be judged according to how well we lived the doctrine in the BOM. What a blessing it is that we have a manual for our lives. Any question we ever have  can be answered through the BOM. Study it, like it and you will be greatly blessed for that. The church is so true :)

Love always!

Sister Dumont

The last one is Sister Mahlsted and myself. She is a trail center sister who came out the same time as I did. First time I have seen her since I came out!

I Survived Transfers

Aloha!

So Labor day we had a fiesta with the Branch out at one of the Member's homes. We had 11 investigators there! It was so amazing!

On Tuesday, our Sister Trainer Leaders came out from Lincoln to go on exchanges with us. Can I just say how much I love exchanges? I LOVE EXCHANGES! It is an awesome opportunity to learn from someone new. I mean, Sister Gomez is great but I love seeing how other people approach different situations and how they teach powerfully! Sister Vance only has like 2 transfers left so it makes me so sad but I have learned so much from her in these past weeks.

Wednesday was.....Beyoncé's Birthday! haha our District Leader, Elder Tatafu loves Beyoncé! Reminds me of Chase :) haha but he bought birthday cupcakes and a Beyonce mini birthday cake! It was so stinking funny! District meeting was so great! We really focused on enduring to the end. There is a pizza buffet out here called Pizza Ranch and it is delicious! We went there for lunch. A few hours later we were going to do service at a less active's house and she asked if she could feed us. Of course we said yes! It was pizza. haha nothing like eating pizza for every meal. I think this week total we were fed pizza 4 times. It's great!

Thursday was transfers. I obviously had no idea how they worked. S. Gomez said if we get a call from them we are transferred, if not we stay. During study at 8:30 we got a call from President Weston and I was freaking out! My heart was pounding so hard and as sister G talked to him I was thinking of all the possibilities. Luckily, it ended up that She was called as a sister trainer leader and I as her assistant! What a relief. I was not ready to leave Columbus! WEll, I guess I will be ready when the Lord says I am ready. haha anyway, we are over the sisters in Sioux City, Iowa so we will get to do a lot of traveling. Ky Bear sent me all her Iowa stuff she got from Chad and I'm pretty sure I would get shot if I wore it here in Nebraska but now I can wear it when we go do exchanges in Sioux City! So we are team teaching Miguel with the Spanish elders.

On Thursday night we were doing service and we got a text from Miguel saying he didn't want to be baptized anymore; that the Mormon church isn't for him. I had the phone and read it but I didn't want to be impolite and show S. Gomez while we were doing service so I just put it in my pocket. I was freaking out and trying to figure out why this was happening. Well we are on our way home and texting the Schuyler elders. Turns out it was all a prank that the Schuyler elders played on us. IT WAS NOT FUNNY! Now it is but at the time we were about to flip. So....Miguel is getting baptized on Saturday :) :) hip hip hooray! Our first Baptism! I am so happy and proud of him!

Friday we came in contact with a lot of people we have been trying to see since I have been out here and never have. It was a miracle day. Also we told the Spicers what the Spanish elders did to us and they got mad at them for us!

Saturday was a relaxed day. I am telling ya, when there is a huskers football game this is a ghost town. We are advised to not tract during games because these people are serious about their football.

Last night there was a CES fireside broadcast so we invited Miguel and his girlfriend to come and watch it. It was a great talk by Russel M. Nelson entitled, "Youth of the Noble Birthright: what will you choose?" I encourage everyone to look it up and read it. It is quite the powerful talk. I encourage you all to study more about enduring to the end and what it truly means. I think as we are baptized we just have a testimony, and enduring to the end is the 'time' we have to become converted to the Lord. Think about it.

Well I love you all so much! There is never enough time to write everything but I want you all to know how much I love you! I know that our savior lives and that he has paid the ultimate price so that we can return to live with Him, our Heavenly Father, and our families. All he asks of us is to keep his commandments and to always remember him. How simple is that? May we all strive to use the atonement more fully in our lives daily. Have a great week everyone :)

Love always and forever,

Sister Du :)

So Many Blessings

Hola,

I cannot believe this week is the last week of my first transfer. Next time you hear from me I could be somewhere new (not likely). I will be well into (1 day) the 2nd transfer of my mission. Esta Muy Loca!

Heavenly Father has blessed me so much. Especially this past week. I was really having a hard time refocusing on the mission. I didn't think it would be possible to get over the homesickness or the wanting to be home with my family. Monday was a really hard day. So I think I have mentioned the Spicers before. They are our family out here. A young married couple, both served missions. Sister Spicer is really one of our best friends. She is so thoughtful and sweet. On Monday we went over there to do a family home evening lesson with them. S. Spicer gave S. Gomez and I a gift and a card. It was one of those willow tree wood carving statues. It was the one of an angel signing 'I Love You,' arms folded across the chest. We are so blessed to have the Spicers and other great members in our Branch to watch over and love us. 

Tuesday I was really struggling to focus on the work. We had an appointment at S. Bishop's house (the one who lost her grandpa on the mission) and that was such a tender mercy. I was able to talk to her more about how I was feeling and she validated my feelings. I told how hard it was for me trying to refocus on the mission and trying not to be sad or to miss home. She reminded me to not be hard on myself. I didn't even tell her that that was part of the problem was me being hard on myself for not being able to refocus. She was definitely in tune with the spirit. She said that it is okay to be sad and grieve but to maintain a healthy balance of work.

After that my day and week really picked up. I rarely found myself thinking of home or grandpa, which is such a blessing because I couldn't go a minute without that. We were able to serve and visit a lot of people and it just kept us so busy that I didn't have time to think. Even when we would get home I wasn't struggling as much. I know that it is because of the prayers coming from everyone so thank you so much. I really have felt the power and strength that has come from these prayers on my behalf and I am eternally grateful.

I am having the blessed opportunity of sharing my testimony through talents. Elder Tatafu, our district leader, has his uke here so we have been singing songs for lessons and so on.

Friday we had our Zone Conference. We were so privileged and blessed to have a general authority of the Lord come and speak to us. Elder Robbins of the 70. He gave us so great advice and counsel to move forward the work here in NOM. My invitation for the week is for all of you to read his talk, "What manner of men and women ought ye to be." It is so great and really put things into perspective for me. I was blessed to be able to see Sister Page! 

I had written her a letter telling her all about what happened with grandpa. She has been such a strength to me throughout my mission and I was looking forward to seeing her this week to be able to give her a big ole hug because she is my family out here. She and her amazing companion Sister Youngberg let me know that they have been praying for me.

I love being out here serving with such amazing people. Like I said I am really grateful for the prayers y'all have sent. I don't know the next time that I will see Sister Page, it could be the end of our missions, but I am so glad that we get to write encouraging words to each other.

Saturday there was a baptism in our branch. It was actually a family; mom dad and daughter. I, along with Elder Tatafu and Brother Spicer, sang "I need thee every hour" in Spanish for service. Manuel, the father, expressed his deep gratitude that song in Spanish was to him and his family. Baptisms are awesome!

Speaking of........our investigator, Miguel, has a baptismal date set for 9/14! He is a 21 year old guy, in the marines. His uncle was the one who got baptized on Saturday. His other uncle and parents are all members here in the branch. He is such an amazing young man and I cannot wait to see him enter those waters of baptism. We hope to teach his girlfriend soon but she lives in Omaha....little problem. 

Anyway, I love you all! Remember to always align your will to God's and everything will work out.

Love always and forever,

Sister Dumont!

A Bump in the Road

My Dearest Family and Friends,

This has been and probably will be the hardest week of my mission. Good to get it out early I guess. Last Tuesday was our Trainer/Trainee meeting in Grand Island. We split up into trainees and trainers so I got to be with my Sisters from the MTC. This was such a tender mercy of the Lord. These girls are my family out here and I was so grateful to be able to hug them and hear how they are doing. This was such a great meeting. President and sister Weston instructed us trainees. They are so stinking awesome! Pres. Weston in Justice and S. Weston is Mercy. I am so grateful for them.

That night we had an awesome lesson with our investigator Sylvia. We watched the Joseph Smith movie. Afterwards I was bearing my testimony on eternal families, which was odd because I usually don't when talking about the restoration, but I felt prompted to. I later came to find out that Grandpa had passed away and I know that it was the spirit and Grandpa prompting me to share my testimony on eternal families.

Wednesday we were in Seward for our district meeting and when we left I saw that I had a missed call from Sister Weston. I didn't think anything of it. She informed me that Grandpa had passed away. I was not expecting that to be what she was calling about. I was blessed to be able to tell her all about him and she let me know that we could go to our apartment and just relax for the day. After I hung up the phone we went to lunch with the sisters in our district. I pulled myself together and stayed that way until we got in the car again and I lost it. We went home and I crashed and slept for a few hours. That was the only way I knew to cope with the situation. I feel bad for S. Gomez because I'm sure she felt useless. When I woke up we went to the Branch Mission Leader's home and he gave me a great blessing of comfort and peace. That was such a blessing. We went to softball practice after that because it kept my mind off of home.

Thursday we had appointments all day so that was great to keep me busy. One of our appointments was with Miguel at his uncles, the Munoz's, home. The Munoz family is one of my families out here. We taught the plan of salvation. I was fine through the whole thing until it came time to bare my testimony and I lost it. I felt comfortable with telling them what was going on because we are close to Miguel and the Munoz family. Brother Munoz shared how lucky they are to have such valiant missionaries serving in this area. He told me how proud he is of me being out here and working through this hard time. How grateful I am for the members of this branch.

Friday was temple day. What a tremendous blessing it was that we could go. Usually the missionaries in Columbus don't get to go because it is 'too far away' but 2 weeks earlier we had permission that if we found members to drive us that we could go! Heavenly Father knew this is what I would need after loosing grandpa. I am so grateful for how aware and involved he is in each and every one of our lives, especially mine. Sitting in the Celestial room was such a sacred experience. The room was filled with missionaries and President and Sister Weston welcoming us in. I was able to sit and ponder about grandpa and as I did I felt him so close to me. Ashley was there too. We are so blessed to be sealed together as a family so that we can feel of their presence always. I could not be out here doing this right now if I didn't know that Ashley and Grandpa were here bearing me up.

We got to go to dinner with the sisters in our zone, which was another tender mercy. It was so nice to be able to be around these strong influences. They were all so supportive and loving to me and it definitely helped.

Saturday was the softball tournament! We.....lost 3 games and won 1 due to a forfeit....bummer dude! But it was still way fun! Kept my mind off home and we had 5 investigators there playing with us! I got a little toasty and I am still sore.

Sunday was a beautiful day. One of our closest member friends, Sister Spicer, was waiting as I walked into sacrament meeting to give me a big hug. I am not sure how she found out about grandpa but I am grateful. She told me that her grandpa passed away after being on Dialysis for so long as well. I talked and cried with her for a few minutes. I am so grateful for her! She and Brother Spicer invited us over for dinner so we got to spend more time with them. Sister Bishop went through almost the exact same thing that I am currently going through. Her grandpa also passed away her first transfer of the mission. She let me know that we are welcome to go over to her house anytime if I ever need to talk about anything. It was great to talk to someone who had gone through the same thing. She understands that it is something that I have to go through along with only my Savior, but who better to go through a trial with than with my perfect older brother who knows and has felt exactly as I do.

We went to the trail center and then to a concert put on by the missionaries in Omaha. It was called, " Oh how lovely was the morning" and it was songs about the restoration and Joseph Smith. Between the 3 sets of missionaries we brought 2 non-members, a non-member family and an inactive family. It was so great to be in Omaha with them allowing them to feel the spirit of the pioneers and their ancestors.

This week will not be quite as busy so I am scared that it will be hard to keep my mind off home. Luckily I get to see my sisters again on Friday. It is Zone Conference and Elder Robinson of the 70 is coming to 'tour the mission.' I am trying to refocus on the work, which is harder than it seems, but I know this experience will only strengthen me. There is time and a season for everything and I know that I am out here at this time for a reason. As hard as it is, I am grateful to be out here at this time. This is definitely strengthening my testimony and my ability to understand and teach our investigators better. "Thine adversities and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment." Keep that in mind no matter what you are going through this week. Always remember that we have an older brother who is perfect. He has perfect love for us and wants to help us through these times. Call on him to succor you in you time of need. I love and miss you all something fierce!

Love always,

Sister Dumont

"We can be together for ever someday, we will be together forever someday!"

P.S. I don't know if the Baucoms read this so if they don't, tell them I met Sister Youngberg, aka Kaela's roommate! She is Sister Page's companion! Small world eh?!

Columbus Softball Gang

CORN!

Guess who I saw?!?!?! Sister Page! Best day ever! Luckily I get to see her again on Friday!

Courtney and her Grandpa

One of the real blessings of the past few months is that Courtney's Grandpa Ray was able to stay with us long enough to see her leave on her mission. Grandpa Ray passed away on Tuesday. One of the hardest things about it has been that we haven't been able to talk to Courtney about it.

Reading her call to Grandpa and Grandma

One thing we do know though is that she now has another companion that will be with her for the remainder of her mission. She will feel his strength and comfort as she serves. As her parents, we would ask that if you feel so inclined,  that you write Courtney this week and express your condolences and love. (courtney.dumont@myldsmail.net) We are sure that will help her greatly as she is not able to be here with us at this time.

We also wanted to share a few of our favorite pictures of Courtney and Grandpa.

The morning Courtney left for the MTC.

At Jake Staker's 30 birthday party

Uncle Jared's Wedding

Courtney and Grandpa Ray loved each other so much and he was so excited and proud of her for serving the Lord, now he get's to be with her every day.

Love,

Kelly and Connie Dumont

This is so Fun!

Hello Family and Friends!

I hope that everyone is doing well! Everything is going great out here in Nebraska! Let me tell you about my week.

Last Monday, we went bowling with a less active member, Victoria, who is 22. We love her so much! She really wants to come to church and she is even considering going on a mission. She works on Sundays so it is hard for her. She paid for our game of bowling so we call her our sugar mama! haha! She lives in Schuyler, pronounced Skyler, so it is hard for her to come out here a lot. It is about 20 minutes away. We hopefully will have dinner with her this week. We are grateful that we can be her friends.

Tuesday we did service at the Witt's. They are a part member family. The wife is not the member, and she is waiting on a liver transplant. We are taking off wall paper and getting ready to paint. I love being to do this for them because they are not capable. Plus it's nice to wear jeans for a little while, even though they aren't very comfortable.

We met the third roommate to the house now known as Waters of Mormon. This is the house that we were prompted to knock that first Saturday I was here. All three of them are willing to learn about the gospel.

On Wednesday we had district meeting and I got 4 letters! It was like Christmas! haha Thanks so Susan Jaussi and Ky Bear for taking such good care of me!

So we thought we had a dinner appointment with a member family so we show up at their house and the son lets us in so we walk up the stairs and notice that it is a little messy...which is normal and we felt at home. Well we go into the kitchen and Sister Shaw is like, "I thought we feed you next Wednesday." So sister G and I look at each other in panic and we go, " well you're probably right, we will just come back." She insisted that we stay so we had the best pancake ever. She was in the process of pickling cucumbers so after we ate and chatted for a while we helped her cut up cucumbers. It ended up being a blessing for both us and her.

Practice was at 7 but it was raining so we assumed it was cancelled but the elders kept texting us letting us know that they were still practicing and there were like 7 investigators there. We finished helping sister Shaw and got over there by like 8. Apparently, it wasn't raining all that much until we got there. Never the less we practiced in the rain! The photo is of us and the elders soaked after practice. It was so much fun playing in the rain though. Our tournament is Saturday so I will let you know when we win! 

Thursday a lot of little miracles happened. We were able to bump into a less-active member and former investigator. The Munoz family fed us delicious tacos! Friday we had appointment after appointment and it kept us busy! Heath and Melissa, waters of Mormon house, told us that they love to learn and gain knowledge about religions but they don't think they would ever 'practice.' We said, " well you should just keep studying then." Because inside we know that as they do that they will not just be studying but they will want to act.

We went to Columbus days and ran into a less-active there. We are trying to get him and his girlfriend to play softball with us. Guess what we got at the fair? SNOW CONES! Needless to say that was the highlight of my week. They don't have snow shacks in Nebraska and it is really sad. I am glad I got to experience that :)

Saturday we visited a lot of people and street contacted some more at the fair.

Sunday was awesome! All three hours of church were exactly what I needed to hear. We also had Branch President Youth Discussion at the house where we live so we got to participate in that.

My challenge for this week is to read the talk on Sarcasm from this month's ensign. One of our awesome members, Brother Spicer says, "Sarcasm is Scarcasm." I know that it is something that we all could work on a little bit. It is an awesome article.

I love you all! thanks so much for the prayers and support. I really do feel of them out here. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to share of the 'desirable fruit' that I have tasted of. The joy that this gospel gives is something that you cannot get anywhere else. It is true joy that will last through the eternities. May we all seek for ways to share of this fruit with those we love most.

Love always,

Sister Dumont