4th Week - Day after Christmas

Dad,
It sounds like Christmas was a blast. Thank you for getting my bike all worked out and sent. I'm glad to hear that work has been less stressful and that you've been able to relax a little bit more.

I've got to say that it's so cool that you and the family will get to see Grandma and Grandpa Winkler on their mission next summer. I know it will be very fun for all of you. It will be so cool for all of you to see the great Church History sites out in Nauvoo, IL and hang out with some great missionaries.

Christmas was amazing here. We had a fairly simple breakfast and lunch served by the senior couples and branch presidents. We then did a service activity making baby infant kits and finished a couple hours early and then shared the scriptures and sang like I said before. We had a devotional by President and Sister Johnson, the area president (of the 70 as well).

Then we watched a live broadcast from Elder Bednar in Provo. He had the Provo MTC get 200 phones that could text his iPad for Q and A. The international MTCs could email his iPad. We sent in our questions and he answered some of the thousands of questions that came in. It was very cool and interesting to see what questions were asked that he answered. (See more...)

President and Sister Johnson gave all the missionaries a gift that had to do with their talks, M & M's for Members & Missionaries (we got regular, peanut, a bag of cookie M & M's and trail mix). We also got a Mrs. Field's cookie for lunch, which reminded me of home. We did a festival of choirs where every zone got paired with another zone a couple weeks ago and we sang 2 assigned Christmas songs- we sang Angels we have heard on high and Oh little town of Bethlehem (in Spanish of course). It was very fun to sing and the Spirit was strong when everyone sang.

We had a nativity quiz where we were shown 48 different illustrations of the Nativity scene and we tried to guess which was Presidente and Hermana Pratt's favorite (they chose different ones), I got Hermana Pratt's favorite right and because of that I got a small bag of some of Hermana Pratt's homemade Peanut Brittle; it is really good.

Nativity at the CCM Mexico City near the cafeteria

Our Hermanas in my district made us a paper Christmas tree with a note and a small bag of candy as well. On Christmas we also wrote something nice about everyone in our District on their own piece of paper and gave it to them. It was something that helped unite our district and made us feel the Spirit of Christ. 

Love, Elder Braden Dahl (written 12/26/2013)

Mom, It's nice to hear you had a great Christmas and got to do some really fun activities this Christmas Season. I'm glad to hear that the Christmas Program went well. And I'm glad to hear the family is doing some missionary work of their own. 

Tell everyone back home I say ‘Hello’ and ‘Send my Regards.’ I'm doing great here at the CCM and am so excited to be a missionary. 

Thank you very much for the Christmas present, I can't wait to use it in DC and I will do everything in my power not to have it stolen. [Mom & Dad sent a brand new bike to Washington DC so it will be there when he arrives.] Also thank you for the camera you sent with me, I've been using it. 

Venid a Mi means come follow me- I might have spelled it wrong, which is why you couldn't find the translation. The “Come Follow Me” video was about Christ's life. 

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. ~ Matthew 4:18-20

The only people I know that are going to Washington DC North are [my companion], Elder M and myself. When I was at the Phoenix Airport a few weeks ago, I might remember that there might possibly be a Hermana (Sister) going there as well, but I'm not sure.

In my district Elder M² and N are from Arizona and M² is heading to Georgia and N is heading to Florida. Hermana D is from Virginia (southwest) and Hermana DC is from Ohio, Wisconsin and Tennessee. Both [of the Sisters are] heading to Las Vegas, Nevada. Elder T is from Fresno, California and he is going to Arizona. Elder W is from Georgia and Elder G is from Bountiful, Utah and they are going to the Irvine, California Mission.

Just so I'm not a liar I did not answer all of KMG's questions; I failed to answer what my favorite quote is and I'm going to take a rain check on that one right now. 

I think I'm up to 220 pictures but there's not a whole lot of new stuff around so new pictures are getting fewer and father between. I know pictures are probably killing you. Don't worry you'll get them. Also, I did get the picture you sent of the boys [on Christmas morning] and I can see pictures on my email.

Being one of the zone leaders doesn't really entail too much in the day-to-day things, district leader gets to handle most of that. I am just one of the guys that conducts the priesthood meeting on Sundays, assigns which district passes the sacrament, conducts some of the few and far between zone meetings, and attends leadership training every Sunday in our branch (rama).

Love, Elder Braden Dahl (written 12/26/2013)

Dear Brother #1, #2, #3 & #4;

I hope you all had a great Christmas yesterday and I'm sure you got some pretty cool stuff from everyone. You guys look great in your PJs. It looks like you have a fun video game you'll probably play nonstop for a while.

I hope you all are having a great Christmas break and are enjoying yourselves. I hope you all are getting along well. Have a great time and enjoy all the fun things you do. I hope you are all doing well in your busy lives. I hope you guys get to have a fun New Years Eve on Tuesday. You might be able to convince Mom to buy you some party poppers to shoot off at midnight, since I know you're probably not going to bed at least until then right now anyways. I miss you all and I hope you are all doing well. I love you lots.

Love, Elder Braden Dahl (written 12/26/2013)

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):
Presidente & Hermana Pratt – Mission President of the Mexico Missionary Training Center (Centro de Capacitación Misional México)
CCM – Centro de Capacitación Misional México which means Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC)
First Quorum of the Seventy - Seventies are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church. They work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy
District – typically encompasses four to eight missionaries

Companion/Elder/Hermana/Sister - A missionary companionship consists of two (or occasionally, three) missionaries to protect each other spiritually and physically. Why do missionaries travel in pairs - The Lord has commanded missionaries, in D&C 42:6, “Ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two.”  2 Corinthians 13:1 “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Zone Leaders - Zone and district leaders are responsible for gathering weekly statistics, assisting missionaries in their areas of responsibility, and general accountability to the mission president for the well-being and progress of the missionaries under their stewardship.

Rama – Spanish for ‘branch’

4th Week-Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Eve and are are having a wonderful Christmas morning.

I hope you have found much joy during this holiday season where the Holy Ghost can enter into the hearts of many. I hope you had a wonderful Sunday and Sacrament Meeting learning and remembering about the Birth of the Savior. Remember that Christ is the meaning of Christmas.

Remember the true spirit of Christmas is all centered on Christ. This is a wonderful day to remember the birth of the Savior of the world and how his purpose could now be fulfilled. 

Be It Unto Me by Liz-Lemon-Swindle

I highly recommend reading Luke 2, Mosiah 12-16, and 1 Nephi 11 to learn about the Savior and the prophets and apostles that foretold of his ministry. Ponder the words to the Hymn "Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide." Although that hymn references after the Resurrection on the road to Damascus, it truly teaches us how we should want the Savior in our life. Christmas has been good. We did a big service project making care packages for infants.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born by Simon Dewey

We finished 2 hours early so we had the opportunity to share some of our favorite scriptures and sing hymns in our zone. The Holy Spirit was very wonderful when we sang and Shared. I have two devotionals today and all the zones have a couple songs we will sing in a festival of carols. We [my zone] will sing "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."

This is such a wonderful experience in the CCM. I am grateful for all the spiritual experiences I've been able to have. I know that I am doing the right thing and that the Lord wanted me here to serve. I am so grateful for our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his counselors and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. I know that Christ lived and died for us and that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know that this Church is true and I am so happy to devote two years to my Lord even Jesus Christ.

I love you all! Have a very Merry Christmas. — at Centro de Capacitación Misional México. 
Love, Elder Braden Dahl
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (written 12/25/2013)

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):
CCM – Centro de Capacitación Misional México which means Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC)
Sacrament Meeting - Our primary family worship service is called sacrament meeting. This meeting is held in our chapels on Sunday and lasts approximately 70 minutes. A typical meeting would consist of: singing Hymns, Prayers offered by local Church members, Partaking of the sacrament (communion) bread and water and 2-3 assigned speakers frequently from the local congregation.
Living Prophet - inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul.  President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16^th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. 
Counselors - The President of the Church (prophet) selects two other apostles as counselors. These three function as the First Presidency, which is the highest governing body of the Church. Members of the First Presidency are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world. 
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - second-highest governing body in the Church; Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world. 

3rd Week-Letter to Brothers & Cousins

Dear Brother #2,                                   

I hope you are having a fun time.  I hope school is going well for you as well.  If you haven't finished finals yet I wish you the best of luck. Merry Christmas, too. I hope you have a fun winter break. Don't do anything too crazy though. Remember the true spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ. Not candy canes, Santa, or snowmen. Christ is the center of Christmas.

In Spain they actually set up at Belén in their home; a model replica of the city of Bethlehem when the Savior was born.  This helps them remember the true meaning of Christmas. Have a great Christmas season!  (written 12/18/2013)

Belén (in Spain)- a model replica of the city of Bethlehem when the Savior was born

Brother #1,

First off, Merry Christmas. Mom and Dad have been telling me about your crazy busy life. I hope you're doing alright with all your things to do. I've heard you've had a couple concerts (church and school) and that you got to go to a concert [Sacramento Master Singers]. Keep up all the good work. 

If real investigators are like the actors we have in the CCM, it is fairly hard. You really have to know your stuff and how to say it is Spanish. We have all kinds of opportunities to practice teaching and learn how to teach in the CCM. It's cool that you got to practice at an activity, and hopefully they went a little easy on you.  

I would hardly say I'm running the place as one of the zone leaders. You only really do stuff on Sunday and it's really just winging it through. Time seems to be flying by though here. It's hard to remember what you do from day to day only that you did it. The CCM is a spiritual powerhouse. There are [very] few times when you don't feel the spirit. Have a great Christmas and if you haven't done finals yet good luck to you and brother #2 on them. 

Sincerely, Elder Dahl (written 12/18/2013)

Dear Cousins,

I read KMG and HD's letters a few days ago and here are the answers to their questions.

Yes, I am having tons of fun on my mission! My favorite part of my mission so far has been being able to the Mexico City temple, but there have been so many awesome devotionals, lessons and spiritual experiences.  

 Currently my mission president is Presidente Pratt (of the CCM). 

My heart is locked so I cannot tell you if there are any cute chiquitas. Statistics for Sister Missionaries are about 36% now.

Yes I miss you. My favorite scripture is probably Proverbs 3:5-6 but there are so many awesome scriptures like 2 Nefi 31, Juan 3:15-16, Santiago 1:5, DyC 84:85, DyC 13, DyC 4, Moroni 10:3-5, JSH 1:16-17

I don't know what the [Washington DC-North] Mission Home looks like yet but the CCM is a beautiful 96 acre property with palm trees, wild green parrots, little white butterflies, and tons of poinsettias planted around. All the buildings are nice and everything is well maintained.

My companion is going to the same mission as I am.  He is from Salem, Utah. My companion is very athletic and has a full ride [scholarship] to BYU or Utah State to play Tennis. He's nice and is really trying to learn the language.

Yes, I am getting sleep but it doesn't feel like enough with how busy we are.

The food is good here and people would probably die hearing what I have eaten here. Nothing crazy like chicken feet or anything.

I am friends with all the missionaries in my district.  We all get along quite well. [There are 7 Elders and 2 Hermanas. (Sisters)] I also made some friends who have left now like Elder C and Elder R. You teach a lot at the CCM at least once a day, sometimes more. They are all actors, instructors, or other missionaries though. (written 12/18/2013)

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):
Mexico City Temple - In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord, and they are considered by Church members to be the most sacred structures on earth.
CCM – Centro de Capacitación Misional México which means Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC)

Presidente Pratt – Mission President of the Mexico Missionary Training Center (Centro de Capacitación Misional México)
Scriptures – Braden starts using some Spanglish as the scripture references.  Click the link to read the reference in English. 
Proverbs - Proverbios
2 Nephi - 2 Nefi
John -  Juan
James - Santiago
D&C: Doctrine and Covenants - DyC: Doctrina y Convenios
Moroni - Moroni
JSH: Joseph Smith-History - JSH: José Smith-Historia

Companion - A missionary companionship consists of two (or occasionally, three) missionaries to protect each other spiritually and physically. Why do mssionaries travel in pairs - The Lord has commanded missionaries, in D&C 42:6, “Ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two.”  2 Corinthians 13:1 “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Salem, UT is near Spanish Fork, UT which is south of Provo, UT

3rd Week-To Mom & Dad

Merry Christmas (well in a week)! Since I wont be able to say it on the 25th, Merry Christmas.

Mom, It sounds like the concert you went to [Sacramento Master Singers] was really fun. And I have heard that the Stake Christmas Program went really well and that you had one of the best sounding choirs. I know you will do great for the Ward Christmas Program.

Dad, that is so awesome that you had such an amazing survey! I'm glad to here that everything went well. It sounds like the Christmas party was very fun and a lot better this year. I hope you enjoy your relaxation time.

It's been a fairly busy week as usual. Lots of classes and study time.

We had a special Devotional last Thursday that was actually a Navidad en México. They had this [local, native] group come in and perform for us. It was a cultural dance recital of the Christmas [Nativity] Story that apparently is common in Mexico. It was a once in a lifetime kind of experience. For the first number they had all the women do this awesome ribbon number and dance around representing the announcement of the new star. They had a towns people number with the shepherds. Then they had this super awesome stomp number of all these diablos. The three wise men all came and they each had people dance around them representing the different gifts they gave. It was an awesome dance performance of Christmas. The whole thing was just awesome.

Our Sunday Devotional a few days ago was a broadcast of Elder Richard G. Scott who spoke about prayer. It was super good and I really enjoyed it. Every Sunday we also watch a movie.  The first week it was "Legacy," then the second week was the "Joseph Smith" movie (the one they played at the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City). This last Sunday we watched three short movies.  We watched an eight minute PBS Broadcast about the Missionary expansion that had a lot of CCM clips and Presidente Pratt in it (from before I got here). The "John Tanner Story" and "Unto This End Was I Born" was also shown. Yesterday we had a speaker who was a Member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Benjamin De Hoyos.  He and his wife gave wonderful talks.  He talked about a variety of things.

Last Thursday, December 12, was the Dia de Guadalupe, which is a huge holiday in Mexico dealing with the Virgin Mary.  They shot off a billion fireworks that day about every five seconds. There were also fireworks from Wednesday through Sunday, just not nearly as many.

For our temple trip today we actually got there early enough to go to the 8:00 a.m. session instead of the 9:00 a.m. session (but we really had to hustle). Traffic has really died out around the city because school is currently out and many people are now taking time off work to celebrate Christmas. There are all these star piñatas for sale around here.  These star piñatas are a tradition here in Mexico and represent the star that announced the birth of Christ.

I attended my first ever temple session in Spanish.  I realized that only on our first visit are we allowed to have the audio translation [to English]. It was a little difficult to understand everything, but I got most of it, and understood what was happening the whole time. Because we got to go in early, I had the opportunity to stay in the Visitor's Center for an hour while the others were finishing. We watched the modern day apostle movie; "Venid a Mí,"[translation: "Come unto Me"] and a clip about the Book of Mormon.

I got to walk around the Mexico City Temple Visitor's Center more and just admire it and take it all in. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera because everyone has to deposit their cameras as they enter this area with the senior couple who accompany us. I am trying to take pictures for you though, so don't worry.

Tell my youngest brother "Happy Belated Birthday!" I did remember his birthday and thought about him on his birthday a lot. It sounds like he had an awesome birthday.

I'll miss you guys for Christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful time of the season.(written 12/18/2013)

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):
CCM – Centro de Capacitación Misional México which means Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC)

Navidad en México– Spanish for 'Christmas in Mexico'

Presidente Pratt – Mission President of the Mexico Missionary Training Center (Centro de Capacitación Misional México)
First Quorum of the Seventy - Seventies are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church. They work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy

2nd Week-Letter

Unfortunately I am only allowed to go on lds.org, Mormon.org and myldsmail on Preparation Days, so I cannot check out the blog. I miss you all a lot. I have seen Jason B in the Comedor (cafeteria) quite a bit.  The first week I was here I said hello to him, and he had no idea who I was. After visiting for a few minutes he finally remembered that I visited his ward once.

The days are so blended together here I barely know what to say because it seems like now nothing ever changes. It is just one big day. Sunday is my favorite day here because the Holy Spirit is just so strong and full and you just feel recharged. We sing “God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again” at the end of every Sunday to say goodbye to the missionaries who have been here for six week, and the spirit floods the room and half the people ball their eyes out.  (written 12/11/13)

"God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again” by Woodcreek H.S. Chamber and

Concert Choirs, Directed by Adrienne Mars October 2011

(Braden is to the right of the director's head in the 2nd row)