iPads for Each Missionary

It's been a crazy week with the big change of having iPad minis. Last Tuesday was Zone Conference. We had a lot of classes and learned a lot of things and learned how we can be better. At the end we all received our 16GB iPad minis and we set it up and got trained on it. They are very strictly limited (for obvious reasons) but they are really nice. We have the gospel library, LDS Music, Skype, email, Facebook, Safari (with around 6 unblocked sites), and an area book/planner app, along with some of the standard apps installed. We have a few others but we don't really use them. We no longer have the daily planner book since there is an app for that. It is amazing how the work is being hastened. It is
taking some getting used to, but it is really nice to just pull up a Mormon Message you want to show and have sow many gospel tools at your fingertips.

From the Mission Blog: iPads for All of our Missionaries

We're Making History!

Elders Hatch, Guerrero, Hartzog, Dahl, Anderson, Sisters Chappell and Marambio

We are one of the few missions worldwide chosen to pilot the revolutionary approach to missionary work of giving each missionary a specially-designed iPad.

At this week's zone conferences, our missionaries were instructed on the importance of staying focused on their purpose and were trained on the use of this amazing device.

So you can tell the Bishop that the church is Pro-Apple Products. And joke with my oldest brother that the Church chose Apple over Droids. They are restricted; they don't have the App Store but we have this thing called air-walk which is the program that kind of controls the restrictions and it has a small App Store so we can update the few apps we have if something new comes out.

Last night my companion and I went to the Night of Music and Inspiration at the Visitors' Center. We were supposed to have a Recent Convert and a Potential Investigator there but the PI was a no show and the RC called us last minute and said her ride fell through so she couldn't come but wanted to. It was a great performance with music, short talks, and a few short clips.

I am doing great. I love my mission here and the ward I'm in. Things are going pretty well. My companion  and I are getting a lot done with the less-actives in our area and we are finding a lot of
potential investigators. The hard thing is almost everyone works all the time it's hard to get appointments with everyone and have people progress. We've been having fun as well, we fed some horses last week, sing a lot, and just stay happy. We work a ton and try to stay busy. I feel like I'm going to gain 3,000 pounds because the members feed you a lot and they give you a portion for 5 people.

One example is once we had a quarter rack of ribs, a full chicken breast, half a plate of heaping rice, two large chicken tenders, some beans, and a salad. You can tell the people only a small, small portion and that means basically nothing [they still give you a lot]. However, the cooking ability of these people is amazing. The people here cook some delicious food, it's just you can't always eat it all. The standard meal here is 1. Rice 2. Chicken and 3. Beans. The rice is usually white rice but I've seen it prepared differently and it's very good. The beans are always black beans. But the chicken is almost always prepared some way different than I've seen. Since the people are from all over the world everyone has their own little spin on things.

When you are here you have to know the nationality of everyone. Most people here have a strong sense of national pride and hang out with people from their country. It's important to know people's history and someone who can relate to them. The major two groups in our ward are the Salvadorians and the Peruvians. But still there are people from all over here so you basically have to know every Spanish speaking country because I'm getting close to meeting someone from all of them. I have met people from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The countries I haven't met people from include Paraguay, Uruguay, Columbia, Panama, Belize, Cuba, and the African Country that speaks Spanish. I only haven't met people from 7 of the (I believe) 21 countries that speak Spanish (22 if you count Puerto Rico).

The man who texted you our picture was a man in our ward.  He is a convert from 2 years ago and he is one of the strongest members in the ward. He is from México and he is super nice and just awesome.

I've been doing great! I've been working hard and having fun as well. We had exchanges last Friday and I stayed in my Area and Elder Alca joined me. I had to drive since he doesn't have a license and it's just straight up weird to drive a small vehicle. It really was an eye opener on all the things I still need to work on and how much I still need to learn.

Love, Elder Braden Dahl (written 2/3/2014)

2 months out 1/27/2014

It has been fine living in the snow. As long as you dress right it's not that bad to go out. Today is actually fairly warm minus the wind chill. I'm glad to hear that you have so many fun things you will be doing this year.

Things have been going great and tomorrow is Zone Conference and we are getting an iPad mini that we get to use. We also will be trained some more and do other things. 

I'm loving the mission and  there is so much to do in the work. Everything has been going great and I am so happy to be up here.

Photo Courtesy Diana Alvarez

I'm trying to upload pics from this computer but we're at the public library and it's not working. It's hard to multitask with everything.

I'm trying to think of what I did this last week but it was kind of hard. We had 4 inches of snow on Tuesday so we weren't allowed to go out so we went tubing outside our apartment. 

One of the Elders in my apartment went home this week due to medical reasons and we have a new roommate now. He is super tall 6'8" but really nice.

We taught some more lessons and met with more members. We went to a member who has this mansion home and ate there but they are in the middle of no where. We went to Poolsville to help our roommates feed some member's horses today and we went to another members home and got free haircuts (It's just a little trimmed).

We have 2 new investigators but are having a hard time getting our investigators to progress. We are working hard but often they don't have time to meet with us and cancel and reschedule appointments.

But we are still working hard and doing our best. I love being out here and it's crazy how much time just flies by.

Elder Braden Dahl

 

Specialized Training of January's New Arrivals and Trainers

Back row L to R: Elders Palmer, Wang, Lim, Wilcox, Jensen, Redmond, Peterson, Melander                                           Seated on stage L to R: Elders Anderson, Dahl, Collins, Zollinger, Cervantes, Mecham, Smith, Brown                              Back row of Sisters L to R: Sisters Veenker, Kohler, Marambio, Chappell, Croese, Bertholon                                              Front row L to R: Sisters Johnson, Bascom, Cooke, President Cooke, Sister Checketts & Connolly

Learning to Lead a Hymn

 

Instruction, Discussion and Role-Playing

Lunch, at last!

Scripture Chase in "Preach My Gospel" using one hand from each companion

Finding separated phrases from the First Vision and shooting them in order.

 

Finding the appropriate rule in the White Handbook

Photos Courtesy President and Sister Cooke

Week 2 in Germantown, MD

Dad,

I am doing great out here. I am actually in Germantown but my area covers from the eastern boundary of my mission to Germantown and Clarksburg.

Google Map of LDS Washington D.C. North Mission Northwest Section

I'm doing alright in my language I am trying to speak, but it is easier to understand. The people say I don't have an accent but there are so many different Hispanics here. I think I am missing about 4 Spanish speaking countries but I've met people from all over with all their accents.

I'm not allowed to drive for at least my first 2 transfers. We have a set of English speaking Elders in our apartment. My bike is the same as it was. It is ride-able but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles on it.

It is snowing today and we aren't allowed to go out and drive today so we've been inside almost all day. We're supposed to have 12 inches. The DC area is great and I am really happy to be here.

Mom,

It has been a great week in DC. We found some new investigators and are planning to visit with them more and teach them about the gospel. The people here are so loving and are so amazing. They come from all over the world. There are many Salvadorians and Peruvians.

I'm working on pictures but it's hard time is way too short. I have a lot of time to write at night but not a lot of time to email.

This P-day we went to DC  we drove and then rode the metro from the edge of the city into the national mall. We went to the first floor of the Natural history museum and the first floor of the American history museum. I saw the Washington Monument (still being worked on). We went to the Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, MLK Jr., Korea, and WW2 Memorials as well.

Elder Braden Dahl visiting Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on 1/20/2014 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

The area is so pretty and I took 78 pictures. In the American history museum I saw the Star Spangled Banner (no pics allowed) and a sunstone from the Nauvoo Temple (pics allowed).

Elder Braden Dahl visiting American History Museum in Washington D.C. on 1/20/2014 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).   This is the Nauvoo Temple Sunstone Display at the museum.

I miss you and hope you're doing well.

Love,
Elder Dahl
P.S. It's snowing today.

Questions & Answers - Week of 1/14 - 1/20/2014

Questions & Answers between Mom & Elder Braden Dahl
 
Washington DC Questions:
1. What is your address where you are living today? Can I/we send you stuff?
I don't know and everything has to be sent to 11700 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD
2. What 'area' are you serving in?  We got that you're in Gaithersburg 2nd Ward
Gaithersburg - Spanish
3. What method of transportation are you using?
Car
4. When is the next transfer day…once a month?Feburary (every 6 weeks)
5. What day is Preparation Day? Any fun field trips coming up?
Monday. We're thinking of heading down to DC (we are allowed to go there on Prep days)
6. Do you like your sheets & blankets? Do they fit ok?
Yes the blankets are great and they fit great.
7. Can you send me your bike's serial number please? No response
8. About how many missionaries are in your mission?
I think around 160.

CCM-Mexico Questions:
9. Who is the guy you have arms around each other at the bottom of the stairs at the Mexico Temple? Dark hair, thin, glasses-also in the picture of your district
Elder Ma.......(name withheld for privacy issues)
10. I can't find the email I sent but I also thought I asked…How was "God Be With You" on your Sunday Evening Goodbye as the 6-weeker? Did they sing it in English or Spanish? Did you tear-up even a little?  any other details…
I did not cry or tear up during the song, but it was really nice and the Holy Spirit was there
11. How on earth did you manage from 2:30am leaving the CCM until 10pm at the Washington DC Mission Home?It was rough, I tried to sleep on the plane but that was difficult. I don't remember anything after 10:25 that night until 6:35 when I woke up
12. Tell us about your last few days at the CCM…Saturday/Sunday/Monday
Saturday was normal except we packed a little during our free time. Sunday was normal except we said our goodbyes. Monday was all normal classes, except during study times we packed a lot.

Brother #2,
I'm sorry you weren't/ aren't feeling well. It has not snowed but it does get really cold. There are some small bits of frozen snow on the ground but, snow doesn't really stick on the ground here.

Brother #3,
It is really interesting here. The architecture is very colonial everywhere. There are a lot of stores I've never heard of here. I've spoken to a lot of people in both languages. And many people that speak Spanish no some English, especially the kids. I hope you enjoy your new Primary class too.

(written week of 01/14/2014 to 01/20/2014)

From DC (Actually Germantown)

Elder Braden Dahl - Missionary

Washington D.C. North Mission - Germantown-1st Area

So I'm in DC and I'm loving it. The first day we were here it was just bitter cold and I had my layers on. But since then its been warming up and fairly good; yesterday I just wore my regular suit and was fine. I'm in a car area, so my companion drives us around everywhere. I have my bike mostly put together and it is right now in the apartment we are in. I was told by the other missionaries that my bike is very nice and looks expensive, so thank you for the very nice bike.
The area I'm serving in is one of the largest areas in the mission. I'm by the top left corner of my mission. Elder Anderson and I spend most of our time in Germantown. But we cover several other cities as well. Luckily the DC North mission is one of the smallest missions geographically so, it's not too bad. Plus I've heard there are no Spanish Elders in the  farther southern areas of the mission because the lack of Spanish speakers.

On my way to DC I woke up at 1 am, finished my quick things to pack up, cleaned the room, and got ready. We had to be at the bus by 2 am and check in our keys and then we left at 2:30 am. They gave us a small sack breakfast for when we got to the airport. The airport was confusing and chaotic, but they had a CCM worker help us get through. We got through and then talked to some people and I managed to give out a pass along card. We flew to Dallas. Had to go through customs, get our luggage, recheck our luggage, go through TSA and then go to our gate. By the time we got through all of that (and our flight landed on time) we had 15 minutes until boarding, and we hadn't eaten yet. So there wasn't even time to call at the airport. 

I made it to Reagan Airport safe, my companion and I were the first to arrive of the total of 8 Elders and 5 Sisters. We got our luggage, but they bent one of the wheels on my large luggage. (I think-I really haven't had the time to examine it.) So it's a little wobbly now and only three wheels touch at any point.

January 2014 Washington DC North Mission Arrivals - 8 Elders and 5 Sisters

It was so cold they didn't take us on the Metro, because it breaks down a lot in the bitter cold. I rode in a truck with one of the APs who left the field the following day with another Elder. The Sisters rode with the Cooke's and the other Elders road in a silver flex fuel Ford E-350 van. (hmm...sound familiar?) 

At the mission home we all got a quick interview from President Cooke. We were briefed on heat and the cars. We met the Senior couples and the couple in charge of the Visitor Center: Elder and Sister Eyring (yes, he's the brother of President [Henry B.] Eyring).

We had a nice dinner, had a testimony meeting and sang the mission song (it's pretty cool, I have no idea how I can get that to you.)

Braden bearing his testimony in their testimony meeting

The mission home is in a very affluent area and is very nice. Lots of paintings and nutcrackers. That night the power went out for a minute so we woke up 5 minutes late and then it was fine except the power went out again from roughly 6:40am to 8:30ish with the exception of a short 3 minute relief of power. It was fine and we made do. I helped make breakfast with what we had available. 

Love to see the guys roll up their sleeves and cook! Elders Melander, Collins & Dahl

We went to the visitor center the next day

President Cooke, Elder Braden Dahl and Sister Cooke with the Washington DC Temple in the background

and met our trainers, got our packages, said goodbye to the people leaving.

Elder Anderson embracing Elder Braden Dahl as his new trainee

The temple was closed but I had the opportunity to walk around it and see how it looked. It is a beautiful temple. And yes, I touched the temple. Then after that it was go the apartment and get to work.

      

Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, MD Taken 1/8/2014 by Elder Braden Dahl

P days are on Monday. My sheets are nice and comfortable and I'm plenty warm. I am only allowed to email 30 min on P Day.

I don't know my apartment address yet. But ALL mail and packages must be sent to the mission office with my full name Elder Braden Dahl 11700 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD. They then forward everything to the apartments. FedEx, UPS, etc packages will be held at the mission office until Transfers (every 6 weeks), but USPS packages can be forwarded (although I've heard mixed opinions on whether this actually happens or not. 

Elder Braden Dahl

Glossary of Terms (by Stacie Dahl (Mom)):

Preparation Day - Preparation day (or P Day as it is often referred to) is a missionary’s once a week chance to do big shopping trips, play sports, do laundry and write letters home to family and friends.

In DC (Washington DC)

Mom (Stacie) says: Well we learned the hard way that the week that you travel from Mexico to Washington DC...you don't get a P-day to write your parents.

But we did get this! 

"I am in DC safely. This is a Facebook mission. Since you are the photo expert can you start saving and/or removing my photos that are not mission appropriate."

So Mom asked what is 'mission appropriate?'

"My Facebook pretty much has to be wiped clean of all photos that have me in not mission attire, photos with me and one other member of the opposite gender, etc. Some scenery is fine. The pics just have to be churchyish." 

Elder Dahl with his companion in Gaithersburg, MD on 1/9/2014

Voicemail from the Mission President

President Cooke from the Washington D.C. North Mission left a voicemail this evening (01/07/2013) and said:

"I wanted to tell you that Elder Dahl is here safe and sound...thank you so much for giving us such a fine Elder."