Hermana Carmen Dunford

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Deme Una Tarjeta! Wed Aug 12 letter

Hello my amazing family. I love this time that I get to write to you. It's fun to be pen pals in a way- except Curtis, I'm still waiting to hear from you :).
Ok so this last week was another great week. Each week I am growing closer to the Lord, to the teachings of the gospel and to the amazing people in my zone!
Last week we finally auditioned to perform for a large meeting and she said she will definitely use us and that I was a great accompianest (sp?) anyway that made me feel awesome, she kind of went on about it! haha. But the sisters are so wonderful we have truly become SO close. I love having so many close friends where we all work hard to bulid our relationships with Christ and learn to become the best servants that we can be.
In order to start making Spanish more prevalent before it is the only language, we started playing a game in our district called Deme Una Tarjeta! it means give me a card. We all started with 15 cards and when we hear someone speaking in English we say that and then whoever has the most cards wins. The first day was brutal but it was almost literally in all Spanish- so neat to see how much it helped. However since more time has passed and we do have to speak English for some things, we have been a little more lacksidaisical with the rules. But when we remember to speak in Spanish is really helps.
We have been teaching so much lately! It really helps to teach and bring the Spirit and try and address the investigator's needs even if they aren't really investigators. The scenario for this week's TRC is a blank teaching record so we don't know anything about them, except that they aren't supposed to have a Christian background. So we have taught 3 Buddhists and one Muslim. It is crazy to try and explain God so we really don't. We want them to have their own spiritual experience. With one investigator we kept insisting that he prayed because it was so important. He could tell from our boldness that it was something really important he should try. Anyway he finally agreed to pray and ask if he was a son of God. It was a neat esperience. Tonight we have the TRC where we teach a volunteer not a teacher. So far every time the TRC experiences have been phenomenal. We always get golden investigators because they agree to all the committments and the Spirit is truly so strong. I hope tonight we get another Golden. It is nice after all the pretty tough teaching all the teachers who want to make it as hard for us as possible.
Another thing we learned was how when we felt like we didn't know where to go next with the lesson to always fall back on the Book of Mormon. Every lesson it's a new experience, because when we focus really hard on one thing we forget to incorporate another. However,I know the Spirit helps us to remember all things we need to say so the investigator hears what they need to.
Last friday I had to go do fingerprints so that I could get my Visa for Argentina. Also today the consul came and we had a meeting so that he could meet all of us and clear us for entrnace to the country. It was neat to hear more about the country. He talked a lot about the cow, and said that every grade in school from 1-7 he had to write a report about the cow. It is what made the country more open to the rest of the world. Anyway he was very nice, and about half of the missionaries there are leaving tomorrow because now they will finally be cleared! I'm excited for them but also a little sad because some of them are my good friends and I will really miss them.
Last night Elder Lowell M. Snow of the 70 came and spoke to us. What a great man. He gave us what he is learning currently, and said better learn it now before you're past your prime. So he has a check list of things he strives for everyday. Here they are: I will choose Him (Every decision we make shows that we choose the Lord or ourselves) I will help HIm do HIs work (The Lord is out there laboring and we can help Him or not) I will take His spirit for my guide (I must have the spirit of prophecy and revelation for me- WOW) I will become His true disciple ( I must not only be unified with the church by attending and going to meetings but I must be converted to the Lord which is an individual intent and effort) I will seek to have His image in my countenance (Some missionaires a long time ago in Germany that couldn't speak any German, were let into a house and had a baptism because "of the virtue in their faces") I will exercise His power (Jaocb 4:6, and God is anxious to give me His power and He will if I will choose Him). I thought that was a great checklist we can all work on, and it will be great for me to help others also become converted to the Lord by choosing Him.
I challenge us all to choose Him every day. We can either go to sleep for ourselves or we can chooose Him and read and study the scriptures. We can watch a movie that we maybe shouldn't, for us, or we can choose Him and spend time doing service. We are either for the Lord or we aren't. Every day I am striving to make every decision for the Lord. We are here to help build His kingdom; no matter what the work of the Lord will go forward yet we can decide now what our part will be in helping it along.
I love you so much. Good luck with everything- I'm glad Dad and Mary you had good birthdays. Good luck Nelson with Law School! ooh new adventures are always so exciting. Curtis good luck with football- show them all you've got! and Lauren good luck in the final weeks of your pregnancy. Mom good luck with all the work you do! I love you all so much and am truly very grateful whenever i receive a letter. It's always a little something extra to brighten my day.
Love Hermana Carmen Dunford

MOM- ONCE AGAIN THE SKIRTS ARE FANTASTIC. THANKS FOR PASSING ALONG OTHER'S WORDS. IT IS SO NICE TO HEAR EVERYTHING. I MIGHT EMAIL AGAIN A LITTLE LATER IF I CAN THINK OF SOMETHING ELSE TO SAY. NO NAMES YET FOR THE NEW CAR. CARLOS...HMMM NOT FEELING IT . LOVE YOU!!! :)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Wednesday, August 5 Letter

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Dear Family
Hello! I love you so much. Seeing pictures of you this week made me so happy and I've been so proud to show to everyone the pics. Thanks for being so good looking! :)
On Monday we were able to watch the Finding Faith in Christ DVD in Spanish. It was so good. Earlier that day we taught a lesson in Spanish and I really didn't do that well. I felt pretty discouraged. But we watched the video and I realized that just as Peter had faith to walk on water and allow the Power of the Savior to perform a miracle, so can I have faith in Christ to allow a miracle in my life- being able to teach in Spanish, to the investigator's needs. That for me will be as miraculous as walking on water. I really hope that we can all exercise that great faith in our lives, porque con El Señor, nada es imposible! It is something we need to ask for, and work on, which in itself takes faith. But I know that with hard work, and obedience the Lord will bless us with faith and then we can be filled with it and be able to see miralces in our lives. I am grateful for my Savior, and the great sacrifice that he made, that through him I can change daily to become more like him.
On Sunday my whole district bore our testimonies, it was so powerful. I know that it is a tremendous blessing for me to have so many people that I love so much in such a short amount of time and that we are able to work together to learn and strengthen our testimonies. I said Mi distrito es el mejor distrito del CCM. (Everyone was shaking their heads haha) and then I said lo siento. We also got a new District leader, Elder Hardy and Elders Thompson and Unker are the new Zone leaders!
Elder Hardy and I are related! We finally compared pedigree charts and we have the same great great grandfather, Oliver Cowdery Dunford. We think that makes us 3rd cousins once removed. We aren´t sure, so if anyone knows could you tell me? But his mom's maiden name is Shelley Dunford I think. Anyway it is really fun to always call each other cuz and make jokes and talk about the family name. He also said the Dunford side of the family is the fun side, I thought that was funny.
So on Thursday the Sisters in my zone and I will be auditioning to perform The Olive Tree- such a great song about missionary work and working hard to bring God's children back to Him. I will be playing the piano, so wish me luck. It sounds really good so far though.
Also in two weeks Hermana Godfrey and I will be singing Abide with Me in Sacrament. It is so fun to sing with her because our voices blend so well- she is amazing, I never thought my voice would sound so good! We get compliments practically daily, so that's neat. I am so glad we have music and the way that It can bring the Spirit.
On Sunday we had Kelly and Katherine Mills come speak, President Mills is the head of the International MTC's, He was also the President of the Nagoya Japan mission. There are 16 MTCs in the world! It was neat to see pictures of all them. They were very nice and happy people and everyone was laughing a lot. They also sang a lot of songs and sounded amazing!! But one thing President Mills said is that we need to "focus on the edges and the center will take care of itself". As we focus only on serving those around us we will automatically become better servants of the Lord. He showed us many pics of missionaries that changed dramatically in their countenance from before to after the mission. It was neat.
Last night we had the privilege to hear from Merill J. Bateman. He said so many powerful things. There are three things required for a missionary to receive the Spirit. it was Obedience which leads to cleanliness, diligence in the work (diligence means to steadily and quietly perservere), and we must ask for the Lord's guidance. And having the power and authority of the spirit means we can know what to do, know where to go, be able to perceive other's thoughts, and have our testimony confirmed through the witness of the Spirit. WOW. what amazing blessings. He said he got these principles from reading about the four sons of mosiah. What a great story. We can learn so much from how they taught and relied on the Lord to have success with His children.
In Spanish, I already have a word I say all the time. Instead of saying you know? or you know what I mean? in English, I say sí? like, yes? you agree? at least that's what my mind is saying. haha, I already say it so much.
In the Referral Center we set a goal to get 10 referrals. We were only at eight and it was time to go to dinner, but we decided to make just those last calls, and the last two calls made were two more referrals! With strong faith and expectations for a worthy goal to be me, I know the Lord truly does provide miracles!
I am grateful for everyone's letters and love. Thanks so much. I challenge us all to bear our testimony to someone this week- no matter whom, because everyone is in need of feeling the Spirit. I promise that you will be blessed if you do this, because your own testimony will be strengthened and you're sharing the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know this is the true gospel and I know that with obedience and righteousness we can return to live with our Father in Heaven and be with our families forever, because of the gift of the power of the Priesthood.
I love you all, and again, am grateful for your support.
Love, Hermana Dunford

Wednesday, July 29 Letter

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Hello! I can't believe that this is four weeks now in the MTC! Every day and week seems to mesh together and even the days are going quickly now. I am so grateful for all of the letters I have been getting! So much wonderful support and love and I feel so uplifted.
I love the MTC- I can't wait to get out and be able to teach, but for now, feeling the Spirit so often and learning so much is definitely the best. Every day seems to have a theme! For example, we'll have a lesson on prayer, then the devotional will be on prayer and then I'm like yeah I definitely need to improve my prayers! Yesterday it was the Book of Mormon. We went to a meeting and a teacher trainer chastized us for not studying it as thouroughly and often as we should be. Then last night we went to devotional and the talk was on the Book of Mormon and how it is such a miracle! Elder Robert K. Dellenbach spoke on its importance as our most powerful tool in bringing others to Christ. It is the Keystone of our religion, as Ezra Taft Benson said, because it is a witness that Jesus is the Christ, it contains the fulness of the gospel and it testifies of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as I should say now, La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias. I know that the Book of Mormon does in fact contain the fulness of the gospel and that with daily reading it will immensely bless our lives. Elder Dellenbach said "Too often we forget our daily feasting!" I challenge all of us to feast daily on the words of the Book of Mormon, because I know we will be blessed as we draw closer to Christ and follow the principles of His gospel to receive the greatest gift of eternal life! I am grateful for all the ways the Book of Mormon has blessed my life.
Recently I was feeling a little discouraged- I guess its a little harder than I thought to learn a new language! But I was reading in the book of Mormon (I recently just started again) in 1 Nephi 1:20. It says: "....But Behold, I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, becuase of their faith to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." Wow- there was a verse in Nephi I had never noticed before yet in my daily reading the Spirit led me to have it mean so much in my life at that moment. It was another time that I could recognize that my Heavenly Father loves me and will always be there for me! Hermana Crawford and I were talking about tender mercies and how basically everthing I have here is a tender mercy- my amazing companion, my district that I love so much, my zone where everyone loves each other and works hard, and the fact that I am able to be here learning and preparing to teach and serve the people of Argentina. Because of my faith I have been chosen and the Lord will make me mighty unto the power of deliverance. What a great blessing. I strive to work as hard as I can to have that faith so I can receive that power from God.
Last week I was able to once again teach in the TRC. It was the most powerful experience I have had here. I connected so easily with the teacher and expressed my love for her and that we wanted her to be happy. We testified of the importance of the atonement and that it truly saves us if we are repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. The spirit was so strong as I tesified of its influence in my life and that because of our Savior's great sacrifice I can return to live with my Heavenly Father and have the fulness of joy. I then asked if she would like to be baptized and she agreed. Even though I knew she was already a member, it was the greatest feeling that through the Spirit of the Lord I can help others come to Christ. It was truly a blessing to me to be able to know for a surety that that is why I am here. Also the teacher said she really needed that. It was the best experience!!
Yesterday we had an Elder leave early (a week before he was supposed to go with his district down to Argentina) because of health problems. He has such great faith because he knew that whatever the reason, because he was being obedient the Lord's hand was is in it. He is such a great example of faith, to know that whatever happens it will be alright. He understood better than I did! I am glad I got to know Elder Phelps, he is such a wonderful example and taught me to always trust in the Lord. Every Sunday we get to go watch Music and the Spoken Word. It is so awesome and great activity for the sabbath.
Ok. A little bit about the everyday experiences at the MTC. The weirdest thing I ate this week was a salad with turkey, pineapple, blueberries, cinnamon almonds, and bbq ranch. It was actually very delicious! For gym we now play Bump or lightning (basketball) like every day. Its so fun. I like breakfast the best because I can make what I want! The other day I had cottage cheese and peaches with peanut butter toast. This Elder said it looked like I had ordered something and it was prepared for me! haha it was funny.
We have a word we always say in our district- cuyo. it means whose. and it just cracks us up every time. Also Los monos de Fe means the monkeys of faith, and whenever we have a game in the classroom that is a team name, or Los tiburones de diligencia.
I love my district and my teachers- it makes it easier because we get along so well!!
Hermana Godfrey and I will be auditioning to sing in a large group meeting upon much encouragement for others. I'm excited but we still have to go sing a song. Every time in class we sing a hymn it really does sound amazing- I'm surprised! Hermana Godfrey's harmonies are seriously so beautiful.
Have a wonderful week and live the gospel! It is true! It brings us true joy!!!
Love, Hermana Dunford

Yay!! Pictures have arrived

Hermana Dunford and Hermana Godfrey

Carmen's District: Elder Carpenter: "I really admire him- he supported his family for 2 years, and then still came on a mission at 23!"; Elder Glazier: "quiet and funny, and going to my mission"; Elder Gibson: "AWESOME! such a strong testimony", going to Buenos Aires West; Elder Hardy: "makes me laugh so hard, we have so much in common, we're excited to be friends back at BYU some day", also going to Rosario; Elder Thompson: "nickname Elder Guapo, his is awesome, but pretty cocky! haha"; Elder Jacobs, tall one: "he is so funny. And cool, and always trying hard." [he is one who already left for the Dominican Republic MTC]; Elder Unker: "was totally inactive right before he came, but turned himself around. Also hilarious"; Hermana Godfrey: "I love her!" - going to Buenos Aires West [Carmen talks about her quite a bit in letters]; Hermana Dunford.

Full on shot - Hermanas Godfrey and Dunford

Sisters in Carmen's zone: Hermanas Crawford and Crook (companions and going to Buenos Aires South); Hermanas Dunford and Godfrey; Hermanas Good (New Mexico) and Waldrop (Buenos Aires South), companions.

Carmen with her cousin (OK- 2nd cousin), Hermana Waldrop!! [they went into the MTC the same day and are in the same zone - we didn't know about it beforehand. H. Waldrop's mother is my cousin Heidi Johnston Waldrop- Heidi's father Ed Johnston is my mother Jean Johnston Fillerup's oldest brother. Pretty cool - or Muito legal! (new phrase I learned from Carmen's cousin Trent who is fresh out of the MTC in Brazil, serving in Rio de Janeiro.)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wednesday, July 22 Letter

Hello! I love writing this e-mail, although it is possibly the most stressful thing of the week :)
First off, I want to talk about non-spiritual things i guess. I have been playing basketball (baloncesto) in the gym the past couple of days. SO FUN!!! We have been playing with some of the Elders and it's been a blast. It also made me feel good when some of them commented on my skills haha. It is hard though because we cannot guard elders at all. I am also very sore, I'm sad to say. In my zone though in the two days that i played two Elders from the same district got injured! One has to get surgery on his shoulder and one sprained his ankle. Unfortunately the Elder that needs surgery was supposed to leave tomorrow for the Dominican Republic MTC but will probably have to stay here for another 8 weeks.
Another thing- hugs and handshakes are now allowed!! They weren't before because of the swine flu threat. Everyone cheered loudly at devotional last night when the announcement was made. It is nice to hug now! Sisters only of course.
Last week I was able to teach in the TRC which my companion and I and my whole district do every wednesday night to help us complete specific tasks aimed at helping us learn to teach better. Lately I had been worried about teaching by the spirit- which is stressed as the most important thing (well to be honest, everything is the most important thing...haha). But I was scared how would I know what to say or do? Would the spirit tell me in my mind? I felt like I hadn't experienced that before and I was so worried I wouldn't be an effective tool for the Lord's work.
However- God answers our prayers!! He knows me, He knows my heart, and He knows my fears and concerns. Last week we had a volunteer investigator. And we got to know him, ask him many questions, and I taught him. I followed what I felt to do- and at the end he said it was exactly what he needed. I knew then, and now, that what I need to do is be worthy of the spirit and then do what I feel is right. It isn't about a voice telling me what to do, it is about being worthy of the promptings and then my desires will match what is necessary for me to do at the time. I was very subtly directed in what I should teach and I know that it was the Spirit telling me what to do!! I am also able to look back now and see the many times that has been the case in my life before- I just hadn't necessarily realized it. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that he wants to help and comfort me. I know that when we all turn to Him, he will bless us immensely, and we can look and see all the tender mercies He grants us, even if we may not have even asked for it.
Another example of that recently- I am pretty sure I have mentioned Hermana Crawford before she is the coordinating sister in my zone and has to interview all the senior companions. I love that time with her because I really admire her so much. Anyway we were talking mostly all about me, and then out of nowhere I asked if she is ever interviewed by someone, she said no and I said ok I'll give it a go! haha. I was able then to ask how she was doing. She needed that. I am so grateful for inspiration in our lives to help others. Because then I am helped so much in turn! She said thank you so much- she was able to talk about some things that had been troubling her and that she wanted to talk to someone and so I should consider what I had done inspiration. Yay!! Heavenly Father loves all His children- we just need to be worthy to notice when we need to help others feel that love. I am also grateful for others that have blessed me that way in my life!
On Sunday, it was a day of prayer! It was amazing to talk about it so much. IN Relief Society Sister Madsen talked to us about the blessings and importance of prayer. She said to listen as much as you talk- I had never thought about it that way before! And when we plan, especially as missionaries, we need to leave room for inspiration. Also through prayer we can learn- "Let the Lord teach you what you can become" Neal A. Maxwell.
Hermana Godfrey and I also taught District Meeting and it was on prayer. We based it off of Elder Bednar's talk Pray Always. It was really neat to share our experiences and look back on my life and see all my blessings from prayer. IN his talk he said that if the people we love and serve haven't heard us prayer for them then we need to repent. Prayer for others is a miraculous way to help others and show them our love.
That night for fireside, Brother Richard Heaton spoke to us also about Prayer. He said we need to always begin with it and have our investigators start praying right away! They need to build their relationship with God, so they can gain testimonies. In preach my Gospel it says, those who desire to know the truth must ask God. No matter what Invesitgators say or do, they've got to connect with Heavenly Father. Prayer is so powerful!
last night for devotional we were able to hear from Elder John H. Groberg. He spoke of the importance of the temple- All the missionary work we do should be to help people get on and stay on the path to the temple.
"The temple is the end result of all we do in the church" President Gordon B. Hinckley.
I am grateful for the example my family has set in going to the temple and I know that I can be with them forever! They joy that knowledge brings me, I cannot wait to share it with others and help them prepare to recieve those blessings and joy!
I encourage all to go Mormon.org and watch Elder Holland's testimony of the atonement. We watched it in class with a substitute teacher (all the teachers are so amazing- they bring all different insight, and it is also nice to get a change). The power of that testimony can change your life- as we watched it I could feel MY testimony strengthening immensely. I am grateful for the prophet and the apostles and the wonderful teachings they provide and the examples they set.
Tomorrow two elders from my district are leaving. It is very sad but I know they will continue to progress and become great missionaries! They leave to go to the MTC in the Dominican Republic.
I know this church is true- it truly is the restored gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ. I love being able to teach it daily, and recieve the blessings from a stronger testimony. I know the Book of Mormon is true and I love the time that I have to study it daily. It teaches so many wonderful things. I hope we can all take the time to read it daily and learn to love its message. I love you all and thank you so much for your support and letters! You don't even know how good they make me feel.
Love, Hermana Dunford
P.S. The spanish is coming along well- we taught the first two principles of the first two lessons in spanish. Also we try to speak in it whenver we can! I love you!!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Wednesday, July 15 Letter

(Email from the MTC)

Hello Family! This will be pretty disorganized because I have a lot of thoughts and things I want to share with you. First off Happy Birthday Nelson!! I would totally write you a separate letter; alas I don't have your home address.
Ok so yesterday was a very good day. My companion, who is still amazing and thankfully I get along with very well, and I were walking back from gym and a man stopped us. At first we thought he was a member pretending to investigate because he started out with Are you missionaries? I have some questions I want to ask you about prophets. So we said yes, and started talking to him about prophets and answering his questions with scripture even, thanks to Hermana Godfrey. He was from Tanzania and his only friend here was an elderly man so he couldn't contradict him so he wanted to ask younger people. Anyway a gym coordinator saw what was happening and decided to come down. He told us it wasn't our place (which it wasn't, and I feel terrible for breaking the rules, but we didn't know at all how to handle the situation). But he was able to take the Tanzanian and was going to have him meet with some Provo missionaries. It was so crazy to have real contact with real investigator face to face! (I have talked to people on the phone, however it isn't quite the same as face to face.
The truly amazing thing was that the Tanzanian was asking us questions almost exactly the same as what our practice investigator was asking us that morning! Also Hermana Godfrey looked up a scripture that morning that answered his questions. I love how nothing is a coincidence. We were truly prepared for the questions he had!
My companion and I go to choir and it is so fun! The elders in our district also have a deal with us. Because they love our singing so much, if they ever take our trays at a meal then we have to sing to them. It is very fun though and Hermana Godfrey has a truly BEAUTIFUL voice!! Also in sacrament meeting the sisters in my zone sang Nearer my God to Thee while I played the piano. They sang the last verse a cappella, all parts. It was so amazing, and really brought the spirit to the meeting.
Also Hermana Waldrop in my zone is my cousin!!! Well, second or something. But she is so nice and cute and I love her and all the sisters in my zone. Also I think I might be related to an elder, Elder Hardy, in my district- his mom's maiden name is Dunford, we are going to compare pedigree charts very soon.
For sacrament we have to write talks every week and then be called if it is right to speak. Ay!! That makes me very nervous. And I really don't like writing talks. Nevertheless, it is great preparation for the mission field, and also great extra study time for a topic of the gospel- I think it is usually Christlike attributes, this last week was Patience and Humility. I was not asked to speak. :).
On Sunday we were able to walk to the temple and we took lots of pictures with our district. I love them so much. The first week I was a little worried about whether we would be friends, and now I am a little worried about how good of friends we are! Sometimes it is a little distracting when we get along so well. But they are all so spiritually strong and nice. I love being treated how I am here. Everyone is a perfect gentleman.
So Spanish. Coming along ok, I'm trying my best to speak what I can. We are going to do an English fast every night now from 930 to bed. We have done it once so far. It was pretty quiet in our room! HAha, no it was really fun, but definitely difficult to say all that we wanted to. Luckily we already say companionship prayers in Spanish!
Sometimes we play games and the Elders always joke about wanting to make theirs a dream team, and all they need is the sisters. It is very nice that they think we know so much! But we truly are working very hard to increase our knowledge and ability.
I have received amazing packages! Thanks to Candace and my Uncle Mark I have many delicious treats to share with my district! Also my mom- your package was the perfect lift-me-up. I was sitting there opening it, and reading all your letters thinking ah what did I do to deserve this! My mom is so amazing. How can I repay? And it's crazy because I always want to think of a physical gift. But I know I can just be the best daughter I can be. Then I was like, ok, If I feel that way about my mom, how much more do I feel about my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ? How can I ever repay them? I can't. But I am going to be the best daughter and servant that I can be. I am going to try my hardest to share the love that I know they have for me with all others. Sitting here even now, I am overcome with the spirit, knowing the truly wonderful blessing it is to have the atonement in my life.
The MTC is hard work. A different Hard work than I have ever done. There is so much to learn, so much to practice- the expectations are so high!! However whom the Lord calls he qualifies. I know with His help I am already accomplishing so much. I can't wait to see what other miracles he can have happen in my life.
I am so blessed with amazing roommates, who are also spanish speaking (And already know so much! and are very willing to share that knowledge as well :). My companion and I get along so well. My coordinating sister was interviewing me and said wow all the sisters have commented on how well you two get along! You're always smiling or studying. I am so happy that I am happy enough that others can notice that. Also She said that she feels like she is taking a break when she is able to talk to the elders in our my district at meals. Wow, I am so blessed.
My teachers are also so amazing. I have learned so much from them. They are so powerful and filled with the Spirit! we also have a teacher in training who comes in often to help and he is also amazing. His name is Hermano Bilomawicz. Haha it is a mouthful.
Hna Godfrey and I already have an inside joke about our other teacher Hno Nelson. He says perfecto in a way that is very fun to repeat.
Last night we were able to have the temple president of the Ogden Temple come and speak to us. It was so amazing! We learned so much about preparing for the mission. We also had the councilor in the mission presidency speak as well. So amazing! All their kids that have served missions came and gave us advice, it seems like it will be very helpful. I Know the church is true and I am so glad to be able to serve a mission!! I love you all so much. Thanks for all the letters and support.
With love, Hermana Dunford.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Wednesday, July 8 Letter

Here is Carmen's First email from the MTC- at the end of her first full week there.

From: Carmen Dunford; Wednesday, July 08, 2009 10:28 AM;

Subject: Hola!

HI! Wow this is crazy I am going to try and write as fast as I can since I only have 27 minutes. This is for the family!! I love you guys so much. today in the temple I missed you all a lot. But it's ok.

So far It has been a roller coaster in the MTC. I am feeling low and sad, maybe a little discouraged and then I pray for help and the Spirit abounds! My teachers are amazing. Hermano Nelson y Hermana Gutierrez. They both served in the States and are very nice yet also bold in teaching us. My companion is amazing. She is very nice and fun (we get along VERY well) but wants to work really hard and study and learn and practice all she can. Just like me. It is really a huge blessing to be able to have a companion that I get along with so well and is willing to work hard and always pray to have the spirit.

The first full day we were here we learned to pray in Spanish. So now all my prayers, yes including my personal, are in Spanish. Ok maybe my personal have a little Spanglish thrown in :). We also learned to bear our testimonies in Spanish and were encouraged to do so on fast Sunday. I went up and only said this. Yo se que El Libro de Mormon es la palabra de Dios y yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador. It was very short, and basically memorized but I knew what I said to be true. Our goal this week, tonight actually, is to teach in the TRC, the teaching Resource Center. We have to meet people in the park and leave with them our message, ask them if they would like to learn more and then set up an appointment. All in Spanish. My companion, Hermana Godfrey, and I have been practicing consistently with the many Spanish speaking missionaries we see. (There are MANY). Luckily, with the help of our Heavenly Father, we are actually progressing quite well, even though I still get nervous when I go to talk to someone. It was so nice when one sister found out we have only been in the MTC for a week and she asked if we were in an intermediate or advanced class; we aren't, so that was very nice to hear!!

Also in the TRC tonight we are going to teach the first lesson. It has been difficult to find good scriptures, ways to say things simply and powerfully, and ask many questions to teach the investigator (well we haven't had one yet) to their needs. I am praying constantly for the Spirit to be with me and guide me to say the right things. I am so grateful for my testimony because I am able to rely on that heavily to get me through the lesson. As long as I can bring the Spirit and testify of the truth of what I am teaching, I know the investigator will be able to feel that power. I have already experienced that, even just teaching other missionaries.

The MTC is an amazing place- everyone is so nice and smart! I feel inadequate, but hopeful because I know with diligent study and prayers of faith I will be able to learn what I need to throughout my whole mission to invite others to come unto Christ. I get scared often thinking about actually going and teaching real people. I know that I alone cannot do things necessary to teach the gospel, especially in another language. But I know as I continue, and as I have already witnessed, that the Lord is always with and always will be with me to help fulfill His work.

My district is so amazing! I love them all so much. I am sad that two of them, Elder Jacobs and Elder Carpenter will be leaving in two weeks to go the MTC in the Dominican Republic to continue learning. But the rest of us will stay together and will be going to the Rosario mission, Elder Hardy and Elder Glazier. The rest, Elder Thompson, Elder Unker, and Elder Gibson and Hermana Godfrey are going to the Buenos Aires West mission. I am sad that Hermana Godfrey won't be in the same mission. But I know she will be amazing.

I have seen so many people that I know, and that has been fun. Elder Milligan, Elder Harker, Mike Durney, and many others that I know from school. I even saw a friend from an old ward in the temple today. Hermana Godfrey jokes that she would be rich if she had a nickel for every time I saw and talked to someone that I know. It is cool to see many friends from BYU that work here or are even on missions. Another thing that blows my mind is how many Elders there are!! I mean it makes sense but, still very powerful to see. I have to go to class now, but please respond through DearElder!!! I want all of my time on e-mail (which is only a half hour) to write you and not read. Please use Dearelder.

I love you so much. Please pray for me so that I can learn all I can.

love with all my heart, Hermana Dunford

Carmen's First letter from the MTC

Wed, July 1-2, 2009 (this was handwritten her first night/next morning in the MTC and mailed to us)

Family!

Hello! Wow, today has been definitely overwhelming, but also very fun and the Spirit is everywhere. I love it. I don’t have much time so here are a few things:

-An elderly woman who was volunteering said, “with that smile, you’ll get into lots of doors!”

everyone is so nice.

-I saw 5 people I know including Sister Curran (Brooke). We had a great time talking at dinner. Unfortunately we can’t visit each other in our rooms. Bet we said we’d write each other!

-One of the guys elders l knew also was Elder Ramirez, I worked with him at the Crabtree early morning. He saw me and said, “Oh, my gosh I love this woman!” A bunch of elders yelled- “lock your heart!” it was fun to see him, he is in Sister Curran’s district.

-I love my companion- Sister Godfrey. We’re very similar and very grateful we had an automatic friend to figure things out with. My roommates are also wonderful and very helpful. They leave on Tues to go to Kirtland. So I get a bottom bunk!

-The MTC Presidency is amazing. It was so great to hear from them. I also really like my branch and its presidency. I'm going to go meet my teachers this morning.

So far, so good!

I love you guys!

Love, Hermana Dunford