Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope all the family has a great 2014. I'm glad to hear that everyone had fun on Christmas. And I hope everyone is still doing well. I am extremely grateful for all the prayers you have said on my behalf. I know Heavenly Father has blessed me because of those prayers.

Happy New Year! Happy 2014! I don't know when I am going to be able to email you next as I will be heading out into the field [Washington DC-North]. It sounds like you are all having lots of fun.

It's crazy to think I'm almost done with my time at the CCM, it feels like yesterday I was with you all running around…in Roseville.

Here in México people were blowing up stuff and shooting fireworks all night, but I did not stay up until midnight, I went to bed as usual at 10:30pm. 

It's cool that you and my oldest brother had the opportunity to sing Handel's "Messiah" and it certainly sounds like you both had fun. I'm also glad everyone is having a nice Winter Break and I hope everyone does well this coming semester.

We didn't go to the temple today; I think it's closed on New Year's Day. All the new districts are going tomorrow so they can go once before it closes.

Yesterday we watched an old devotional from Elder Bednar given at Christmas (and from context clues I'd say 2011, a Christmas where it was Sunday.). About not just having a testimony, but becoming deeply converted unto the Lord so that you will never fall away.

He also spoke on developing the Character of Christ in our lives and gave an amazing example of a woman who called him when he was a Stake President saying there had been an accident. 2 girls in their ward were severely injured and one was dead. He needed to go to the hospital in his city because that is where they were being transported and they needed someone to identify the bodies. One of the girls was this woman's daughter. The woman was on two phones (before cell phones) with a nurse preparing transport. Elder Bednar heard on the other phone that they confirmed the dead girl was the woman's [daughter] and the instant that happened the woman said to Elder Bednar we need to find the other two mothers and tell them what happened and make sure they are alright. When funeral arrangements were being finished, she spoke with President Bednar and said you know it's a closed casket ceremony but the morticians did such a good job with my daughter and I don't want you to remember the terrible image of her at the Hospital where she was disfigured, I want you to have a good memory of her and a better last impression. This women was also the Relief Society President and a sister who did not know about this accident called the woman the day of her daughter's funeral and chewed her out because she had a cold and no one had brought her a meal. So on the way to her daughter's funeral the woman dropped off a meal to that sister. We need to become like Christ and turn out in love and compassion when the natural man would turn inwards and be selfish. Elder Bednar said the perfect example of the ‘natural man’ is the Cookie Monster: "Me want cookie NOW." He wants instant gratification, and when he gets what he wants he takes it in all at once.

Tell KMG in response to the last question on her letter, some of my favorite quotes are (but are not limited to):

"If life was easy, it wouldn't be so hard" ~ Sheri Dew

"Forget about yourself and get to work"~ words to Gordon B. Hinckley 

from his father, Bryant S. Hinckley.

"Remember who you are” ~ words to Simba from his father, Mufasa

Mom, I don't have any bedding or pillows with me. Yes there are things I would like when I arrive at DC. Can I have new pajama bottoms because the ones I brought have a giant hole in them and I tried sewing them back together but it only lasted about 3 or 4 days. You can just send one of the many I have in my room. Also a pair of shorts (preferably with pockets) would be nice.

…Confession time, I´m fairly sure I brought the camera cord for my camera but I accidentally thought it was my iPod cord and I turned it into reception for safe keeping and I can only get it this last Friday, so I should be able to send pictures via email as well later on. I have 5 forever stamps,

I have started that project of labeling pictures.

Dad, This week at the CCM has been great. It's crazy to think that by this time next week I will be in Washington D.C., back in the States. The days are about the same, lots of studying the gospel and the language. It's good and I'm reading a lot from Preach My Gospel. 

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to watch "The Testaments" as our Sunday night movie. Sundays are probably my favorite days at the CCM because they are so fine-tuned to the Gospel and focused on the Savior that you can really feel the Holy Ghost so strong.

The time I've had at the CCM is amazing but I am excited to head out to Washington D.C. this Tuesday.

I had the opportunity to anoint a blessing for one of the Sister Missionaries in our District this week because she was feeling ill. It is always amazing to use the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was also a great reminder to always be prepared and worthy to use your priesthood power. 

Question: Where do you watch the broadcasts-what building? Answer: it's the Gordon B. Hinckley Building

CCM Mexico-Gordon B. Hinckley Auditorium (Auditorio)

CCM Mexico-Gordon B. Hinckley Auditorium (Auditorio)
Parents seated enjoy a show by young students

Question: Where you go to church on Sundays? Answer: in the Seminary Building

CCM México-Seminary Chapel (Capilla del Seminario)

CCM México-Seminary Chapel (Capilla del Seminario)
Casually-dressed Seminary students pictured above

Question: When do you do service like cleaning the bathrooms, sweeping and stuff-do you have a picture?  Answer: service is on Tuesday + no cameras on that day

I hope you and the family are all doing well and have a great 2014. Happy new year. I hope the family enjoys the rest of their break and I hope you all have a great year. It’s nice to hear from the family every week. Love you lots. Sorry I’ve got to go. Hopefully I get to email you soon. Love you.

Love,

Elder Braden Dahl

P.S. Our district asked if we are allowed to call home at the airport but since we are leaving in 2014 we will be getting our 2 phone calls this year. So we're not supposed to call at the airport, Sorry :( 

P.S.S. Youngest Brother, that's so cool you know a song on the harmonica now. It's super fun being able to play an instrument. You are so lucky you got to see “Frozen,” that is the prime talk of the CCM. Everyone wants to see that movie right after they get back home. I really liked your note and I love the picture you drew for me. I really miss you too. (written 01/01/2014)

Love,

Elder Braden Dahl

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):
'heading out into the field' - meaning the Mission Field which in Braden's case is Washington D.C.-North (mostly in Maryland)
CCM – Centro de Capacitación Misional México which means Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC)
Temple Closure - the México City México Temple will be closed for approximately 18 months beginning Monday, January 6, 2014, to accommodate an extensive renovation project. The temple will be rededicated following construction.
Elder Bednar - a similar devotional was given here.
District – typically encompasses four to eight missionaries

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.